FTI detention report launched in Brussels

Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe

The report, produced in response to a European Commission consultation launched in June, contains the shocking stories of people whose lives have been turned upside down by the excessive and arbitrary use of pre-trial detention. In collaboration with international law firm, Clifford Chance, Fair Trials International has compared the law and practice in 15 EU countries and makes recommendations for action at EU level.

The launch event took place at the European Parliament, on November 10. Thomas Hammarberg, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, gave the keynote address. There was a debate chaired by Birgit Sippel MEP, with other MEPs, including Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP and Judith Sargentini MEP participating. The event was well attended and there was a great deal of interest in both our report and the testimonies of our clients. A summary of the discussion is available here.

Thank you to all of our clients whose stories have helped us make the case for reform.