Press Release: Procedural rights: European Parliament fully backs Commission proposal for stronger rights in criminal proceedings

European Union plans for rules ensuring translation and interpretation rights in criminal proceedings are one step closer to taking effect following approval by the European Parliament on 16 June 2010. The Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of a strong draft law agreed during negotiations between the three institutions, the Parliament, Council and Commission (MEMO/10/236). The draft law guarantees the right of suspects to be informed about evidence used and receive legal advice in their own language in criminal proceedings in all courts in the EU. This will ensure a fair trial for everyone throughout the entire EU. The law is the first of a series of fair trial measures to be launched under the Lisbon Treaty, which allows the European Commission to propose measures in the field of criminal law. It is the first ever EU measure setting common minimum standards for procedural rights. The Council must now approved the measure

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 17.6.10: EU seals language rights law for criminal trials http://www.euractiv.com/en/culture/eu-seals-language-rights-law-criminal-trials-news-495325

ESO: Background Information: European Parliament panel backs Commission's call for robust translation and interpretation rights in criminal proceedings http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-european-parliament-panel-backs-commissions-call-for-robust-translation-and-interpretation-rights-in-criminal-proceedings/

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