Brussels, 09/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 June, French Justice Minister Michel Mercier strongly criticised the proposal for a directive from Commissioner Viviane Reding (see EUROPE 10394) regarding the obligation to have a lawyer present for persons taken into police custody. In his view, such a proposal would have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of investigations. The Commission sees it, however, as a means to ensure the rights of the defence.
The minister, cited by AFP,...