Amnesty International releases Manual to fight injustice
After popular demand, Amnesty International is issuing the second edition of its Fair Trial Manual.
© Amnesty International
At a Glance
- The Fair Trial Manual is Essential reading for anyone having to Battle against injustice
- It provides practical guidance on which corners prosecutors must never try to cut
- It can also help to expose politically motivated show trials for what they really are
- This is the first update to the Manual in 15 years
- The first Manual was released in 1998, and has been translated into 15 languages
9 April 2014A new resource to arm lawyers, defendants and the judiciary with the tools to fight against unfair trials and injustice is published by Amnesty International today.
A Practical guide Fair On the internationally Agreed standards for criminal proceedings, the Second edition of the Fair Trial Manual is the First update in More than 15 years.
"The Fair Trial Manual is Essential reading for anyone having to Battle against injustice, "said Michael Bochenek, Senior Director of International Law and Policy at Amnesty International.
"It provides practical guidance on which corners prosecutors must never try to cut. In extreme cases, it can also help to expose politically motivated show trials for what they really are. Even in the most oppressive states, where the judiciary is little more than a puppet for political masters, highlighting abuses can and does achieve results. "
Used by a Wide Range of Manual will be the people assessing the fairness of an individual criminal case or criminal Justice System. These include:
- lawyers and judges acting in criminal proceedings
- trial observers, legislators and human rights educators
- human rights monitors working to assist efforts to re-establish the rule of law and in complex post-conflict situations
Used the political prisoners have also Fair Trial Manual to represent themselves in court-As a 'DIY Defence guide'. Albin Kurti was arrested in Kosovo in 2007 during which he helped to organize a protest. He spent Five months in Prison, and another Five months under house arrest. With the Manual As a guide, he was able to Secure his own release.
"Amnesty's Fair Trial Manual ... helped to identify the political character of ME ME ... As well As My trial Teaching How to defend myself. The Fair Trial Manual helped ME to reveal and resist the injustice of My trial, "said Albin Kurti , former political prisoner, leader of VETEVENDOSJE! (SelfDetermination) Party, and deputy in the Kosovo Assembly.
The Second edition of the Manual, Published by popular Demand, reflects the significant changes to the Global Legal and political context since the First edition. Many new standards have been adopted, for Example, On Women deprived of Their Liberty and the right to access Legal Aid. It also reflects the growing recognition that includes fairness and regard for the rights of Victims Fair trial rights that apply at MANY times and All in All circumstances, even during States of Emergency and armed Conflicts.
The Manual includes dedicated chapters on death penalty cases, trials in armed conflict and fair trial rights of children.
"Criminal trials are a litmus test for a state's respect for human rights. No matter what the crime, unfair trials deny justice for everyone involved: the accused, the victim, and the public," said Jill Heine, international human rights lawyer and lead author of the Amnesty International Fair Trial Manual.
"We hope that people who use the Fair Trial Manual will be empowered to advocate around the world for fair trials and fair justice systems."
First Published in 1998 was principally the Fair Trial Manual to support Amnesty International Staff and Members. However, IT was so enthusiastically received around the world that IT was in large Soon Demand and Published in 15 languages.
Endorsements
Endorsements for the first and second editions of the Manual include:
- "It is a must for anyone involved in examining how well a criminal trial or criminal justice system meets international standards of fairness. IT is frankly an invaluable toolbox for any criminal Lawyer in practice, From beginner to seasoned Professional ... I intend to Keep My Manual by My Side. " Keir Starmer, QC, former Director of Public Prosecutions in the UK
- "When I Found the Fair Trial Manual, I Felt like I had struck Gold. IT explains the standards in a multitude of Legal Unable, straightforward and accessible Way." Dr Vivienne O'Connor, U.S. Institute of Peace
- "The Manual has proved to be very valuable to have a checking issues for Source 'On the Go' Within a short period of Time, and As a reference Observation in Practical situations including trial." Mervat Dorothee Rault, Human rights consultant
- "This is an important reference guide for ME and My fellow Judges." Mohamed Tarawneh, Supreme Court Judge, Jordan
- "I have doubt that this will be extensively revised Manual Used by Little Human rights practitioners and activists in Their Day-to-Day Work." Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena, Human rights Legal Lawyer and senior analyst, Sri Lanka
