Fair Trials and the members of the JUSTICIA European Rights Network, a coalition of leading civil society organisations from across Europe working on promoting the right to a fair trial, issued a statement against the disproportionate use of criminalisation as part of European states' responses to the coronavirus. Several states have responded to the pandemic by extending law enforcement powers and creating new criminal offences. Normal oversight mechanisms have also been halted. 

Wrongful arrests, prosecutions and fines have been reported across Europe. In light of several instances of wrongdoing, we call on all countries to urgently review all charges, convictions and fines in relation to alleged COVID-19 offences.

Read the full statement here.