Memo: European Parliament panel backs Commission’s call for robust translation and interpretation rights in criminal proceedings

The European Commission welcomed the vote on 8 April 2010 on fair trial rights in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). The Committee supported with an overwhelming majority a high standard of protection for suspects' interpretation and translation rights in criminal proceedings, anywhere in the European Union.

The vote backed EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's call for the right to interpretation throughout the entire judicial procedure, translation for all documents and a guarantee of getting advice from a lawyer before waiving such rights. These safeguards were essential elements of the Commission's proposed Directive the previous month (see IP/10/249). The amended proposal must now be approved by the entire European Parliament and by EU governments.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 9.4.10: MEPs back interpretation rights for suspected criminals http://www.euractiv.com/culture/meps-back-interpretation-rights-news-426104

ESO: Background information: European Commission acts to ensure fair trial rights in the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-acts-to-ensure-fair-trial-rights-in-the-eu/

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