Defending the
Human Right
to a Fair Trial

Welcome
to Fair Trials

The right to a fair trial is one of the cornerstones of a just society. Without fair trials, innocent people are convicted and the rule of law and public faith in the justice system collapse. Fair Trials is a unique human rights charity that helps people facing criminal charges all over the world to protect this basic right and campaigns for fairer criminal justice systems.

What is justice without trials?
The Disappearing Trial
The trial is the archetype of criminal justice, but it is starting to disappear.
Imagine a world without fair trials
Animation
Watch our stunning stop-motion animation "A World Without Fair Trials", which illustrates the disastrous effects of unfair trials.
Pre-trial Detention
Daniela's story
Watch Daniela, Bruno and Maciej describe the devastating impact of unjust pre-trial detention on their lives Andrew Symeou, detained for 11 months
Fair trials defenders
Publications
One of the ways we strengthen respect for the right to a fair trial is through conducting research, producing policy reports, and submitting recommendations. See our publications here.
EU Defence Rights
Edmond's story
Across Europe, basic rights are being violated every day in police stations, courtrooms and prisons. This is causing miscarriages of justice and getting in the way of cross-border cooperation. Edmond Arapi, convicted in his absence
INTERPOL
Benny's story
INTERPOL plays a vital role in fighting crime, but we know that its systems are being abused by countries around the world in order to persecute refugees, journalists and peaceful political demonstrators. Benny Wenda, a refugee pursued through INTERPOL
Extradition Reform
Natalia's story
There is a growing need for effective extradition laws tools to help fight cross border crime. Natalia Gorczowska, faced extradition for a minor offence
Pre-trial Detention
Andrew's story
Globally, there are currently close to three million in prison who have not been convicted of any criminal offence. Pre-trial detention must be used only as a measure of last resort. Andrew Symeou, detained for 11 months
BF3-1106

Fair Trials and PEN International have urged INTERPOL to do whatever necessary to prevent the abuse of its Red Notice systems.

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Disappearing trial image

The trial as we know it is disappearing... and this matters

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Negotiations between prosecutors and defendants should be recorded to improve transparency t.co/JqFs3ckVKq

Arrested? Need Help?

If you are facing criminal charges Fair Trials may be able to help. We do not charge for any of the assistance we provide. We cannot act as your lawyer or provide financial support but we can help you identify local experts, offer practical guidance, and advise you and your local lawyer about your fair trial rights under international law.

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Why the right to a fair trial matters

We believe the right to a fair trial is an essential part of a just society. Each person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process. But the right to a fair trial is not just about protecting suspects and defendants; it also makes societies safer and stronger. Without fair trials, trust in justice and in government collapses.

Find out why

Fair Trials Defenders

Fair trial rights are being fought for every minute of every day in prisons and court rooms across the globe. Without effective fair trials defenders, the right to a fair trial is just an abstract idea rather than a practical reality. This is why it is core to our mission to build a movement of fair trial defenders and to offer the training and support they need for their crucial work.

Find out more