Right to translation a leap forward for European justice, says Euro MP

4.05.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Jun 2010

The right for translation is a great step forward for European Justice, says Liz Lynne

Local Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne has welcomed today's vote by the European Parliament backing the right to translation when a UK or other EU citizen is questioned by police or tried in another EU country when they do not speak the local language.

Liz Lynne said: "This is a big step forward for justice and fairness in European courts. It will protect some of our most vulnerable citizens.

"All too often people find themselves accused of a crime abroad, but are unable to understand the details of the accusation or the legal proceedings applied against them.

"What could be a simple matter can become a frightening ordeal and it takes too long to establish innocence. Quick access to an interpreter and translations of witness statements or local laws can make all the difference and avoid unnecessary delays.

"Parliament voted for today for effective, efficient and transparent justice. Now it is for the governments in the member states to make it happen."

The proposals were drawn up by London Lib Dem MEP Sarah Ludford, the European Parliament's rapporteur, in negotiations with the rotating EU presidency, currently held by Spain.

ENDS.

NOTES: The rights to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings directive can now pass into EU law, having been approved by EU governments in the Council of Ministers and now the European Parliament: it is the first EU criminal justice legislation to be negotiated under co-decision with MEPs rather than decided by national parliaments alone.

The UK (and Ireland ) are both choosing to opt in to this measure.

The Directive will mean that when a suspect is arrested or taken to court in an EU country where they do not speak the local language they will for the first time under EU law have the right to good quality interpretation in all questioning, hearings and key meeting with lawyers and to translation of all essential documents.

Lib Dem MEPs Liz Lynne and Sarah Ludford are both strong supporters of Fair Trials International, who strongly supported these measures.