Campaigns

We believe the right to a fair trial is an essential part of a just society. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair 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.

Fair trials are recognised by the international community as fundamental human rights but this right is being abused day in, day out in countries across the globe. We’re working to put an end to these abuses by campaigning for fair and effective criminal justice systems. At the heart of each of our campaigns are the real life stories of the people Fair Trials has helped.

Pre-trial detention

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 as a measure of last resort.

Policy Report: Pre-Trial Detention in the EU

Andrew Symeou

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Pre-trial Detention Recognised as EU Priority ahead of report launch

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The Disappearing Trial

The trial is the archetype of criminal justice, but is starting to disappear. In many parts of the world, trials are being replaced by legal regimes that encourage suspects to admit guilt and waive their right to a full trial.

Fair Trials launches new report on trial waiver systems

3 men, 30 years’ imprisonment and 2 coerced guilty pleas

A visual breakdown of plea bargaining

EU Defence Rights

Across Europe, basic rights are being violated every day in police stations, court rooms and prisons. This is causing miscarriages of justice, undermining public faith in criminal justice systems and getting in the way of cross-border cooperation.

Fair Trials Launch Roadmap Practitioner Toolkits

Justice in Europe: Interactive Defence Rights Map

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The Road Ahead: Fair Trials and LEAP publish major report on EU Defence Rights

Extradition Reform

In our increasingly globalised world, there is a growing need for effective extradition laws to help fight cross border crime. The fundamental human right to a fair trial must, however, be at the heart of cross border justice and our work shows that much more must be done to achieve this.

Online training: Cross-Border Cases and Human Rights

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Natalia Gorczowska

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Fair Trials joins with criminal justice experts on European Arrest Warrant

INTERPOL

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.

INTERPOL confirms reforms at meeting with Fair Trials

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Nadejda Atayeva

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INTERPOL removes alert against activist Bahar Kimyongür after Fair Trials intervention

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