Press Release: Interpretation and translation for suspects in criminal proceedings

The draft Council Framework Decision adopted on 8 July, 2009, proposes to set common minimum standards as regards the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings throughout the European Union. The aim of the proposal is to ensure that if suspects do not understand and speak the language used, they are entitled to interpretation from the moment there are informed that they are suspected and until the proceedings are over, uncluding any appeal. Suspects would also be entitled to have any essential documents of the proceedings translated, so they can fully understand the case against them.