Our Mission: We work for fair trials based on international standards of justice and defend the rights of those facing charges in a country other than their own.

Our Work: We campaign for fairer cross-border justice by assisting individuals in their fight for justice, making expert policy interventions, conducting innovative research and providing training and networking opportunities for human rights defenders from all over the world.

In this issue

Case Spotlights: Michael Shields & Paulette Garricks

Jack Straw refuses to pardon Liverpool FC fan Michael Shields

Secretary of State for Justice has made a provisional decision that he will refuse Liverpool FC fan Michael Shield’s pardon application. Michael, who has already spent four years in jail following an unfair conviction by a Bulgarian court, will now be forced to serve yet more time behind bars.

Fair Trials International has campaigned for Michael Shields’ release since his arrest in 2005. We will continue to fight against this miscarriage of justice and urge the Justice Minister to rethink this flawed decision. Read more

With FTI's assistance charges are dropped against Paulette Garricks

Earlier this summer, British holiday-maker Paulette Garricks was arrested at Kingston Airport (Jamaica) after check-in staff wrongly labelled an unaccompanied suitcase as belonging to her. The bag was found to contain drugs and, although it had nothing to do with Paulette, she was arrested by police. Paulette was held for four days in a Jamaican jail, her hair was cut off and she was threatened with a lengthy prison sentence.

Thankfully, with FTI’s intervention, the Jamaican prosecution were persuaded to drop all charges and Paulette has now been able to return to her family and friends in the UK. This young woman has been through an unnecessary and harrowing ordeal. Sadly, Paulette’s experience is not an isolated one. We are now working with her to highlight the need for airlines to improve their procedures on unidentified baggage. Read More

Campaign: FTI Responds to proposals for the next 5 years of EU justice policy

The European Commission has published its proposals for the next 5 years of EU justice and home affairs policy. The document talks of the need for ordinary citizens’ interests to be at the heart of the European project, but provides no concrete strategy for achieving this. Indeed, only 3 lines of the 34 page document are dedicated to defending fair trials rights.

The last ten years of EU justice policy have been dominated by the security and crime control agenda, with insufficient focus on fundamental rights. While FTI recognises the need for European cooperation in combating crime, this must not be at the expense of basic principles of justice and fairness. Read more

Event: FTI brings together 70 human rights defenders from across Europe

Fair Trials International’s 2009 Young Defenders Training Programme was held in June and attended by 70 human rights defenders from 19 different European countries. Participants were given a unique opportunity to share their professional and cultural experiences, learn about cross-border criminal justice and access specialist training from leading experts.

The programme supports emerging lawyers from all across Europe to promote a culture of respect for the defence of human rights. FTI will continue to facilitate this Europe-wide network of criminal practitioners to exchange legal expertise, collaborate in cross-border cases and uphold human rights. Read more

Read more at www.fairtrials.net

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Contact Us

Fair Trials International
3rd Floor, 59 Carter Lane,
London EC4V 5AQ
Tel: 0044 (0) 207 762 6400
Fax: 0044 (0) 207 762 6401
Email: office@fairtrials.net

Registered charity no. 1079079