12/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - Principle of presumption of innocence strengthened in EU law. On Friday 12 February, the Council of the EU adopted a directive strengthening the principle of the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings (see EUROPE 11472), a Council press release states. The new rules will complement the legal framework provided by the European Convention of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights and will require member states to ensure that suspects and accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty under the law. Two rights linked to this principle are highlighted: the right to remain silent and the right not to incriminate oneself. The right to be present at one's trial is also strengthened by the directive. (SP)