Council backs plans for defendant and suspect safeguards

The CCBE has backed plans to introduce pan-European procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings, including the introduction of a common 'letter of rights' to be given upon arrest.

In its response to a European Commission consultation - finalised in Bergen - the CCBE said the aim of the project should not be for minimum standard to become common standards.

'Europe needs an initiative to give meaning to the standard of "a fair trial", 'it said.

'The initiative should aim at establishing an overall better level of protection of human rights.'

In its response, the CCBE also supported the introduction of minimum standards for legal translators and interpreters, and special protection for people from vulnerable groups.