Brussels, 13/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Tuesday 13 December, the European Parliament (EP) approved the directive that will ensure that people accused of crimes are properly informed of their rights. Suspects arrested and detained will have to be given a “letter of rights” written in easy to understand language which sets out for them their rights to translation, to be informed of the charges against them, and to have access to a lawyer (though this last proposal has yet to been validated).
To these rights, which will have to be observed in all member states, MEPs added the right to remain silent, the right to urgent medical attention and the right to contact family.
On 27 October, home affairs ministers approved the text which sets out the main principles of rights that have to be made known to suspects at the very start of the process. The EP civil liberties committee adopted it on 23 November.
The directive was passed in plenary session by 663 votes to 24, with 17 abstentions.
“The new directive is an important cornerstone in ensuring that suspects and accused persons across the EU have a fair trial, thanks to the development of equal standards. The rights of our citizens are being strengthened. Individuals may exercise their rights to defence only if they know what these rights are. Parliament has been able to extend the list of rights on which it is important to give information, for example, medical care, contacts with family members, etc”, said civil liberties committee rapporteur Birgit Sippel (S&D, Germany).
For it to attain the force of law, the text still has to be formally adopted by the EU Council of Ministers. This is expected within the next few weeks.
Welcoming the vote, Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said: “Today's vote represents a landmark for the European Commission's work in criminal law. I would like to thank the Parliament for its support, and in particular Birgit Sippel for her work as rapporteur. The EU is taking strong action to strengthen the rights of individuals in criminal procedures and at the same time to improve mutual trust in the area of freedom, security and justice.” (SP/transl.rt)