Amnesty International releases second edition of Manual to combat injustice
By A. Mirsab,TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Amnesty International has recently published second edition of ‘Fair Trial Manual’ to help combat injustices around the world. The first edition of ‘Fair Trial Manual’ was published in 1998 primarily to support Amnesty International staff and members. The first edition was overwhelmingly accepted around the world which benefitted number of lawyers and activists who fight for injustices meted out to innocents. Due to the increased demand the first edition had to be published in 15 languages.
The Manual is based on the internationally agreed standards for fair criminal proceedings and therefore can be used by lawyers and activists in any country in the world. It is viewed as a new resource to arm lawyers, defendants, activists and the judiciary with the practical tool to fight against unfair trials and injustice.
The Manual includes dedicated chapters on death penalty cases, trials in armed conflict and fair trial rights of children.
This is the only update to the Manual in last 15 years. Basically Fair Trial Manual is essential reading for anyone having to battle against injustice. The manual provides practical guidance to the lawyers and activists which cannot be cornered by the prosecution agency. It also assists in exposing politically motivated show trials for what those cases are really tried for.
Michael Bochenek, Senior Director of International Law and Policy at Amnesty International believes that the Manual provides practical guidance on which corners prosecutors must never try to cut and that in extreme cases; it can also help to expose politically motivated show trials for what they really are and that even in the most oppressive states, where the judiciary is little more than a puppet for political masters, highlighting abuses can and does achieve results.
“Criminal trials are a litmus test for a state’s respect for human rights. No matter what the crime, unfair trials deny justice for everyone involved: the accused, the victim, and the public,” said Jill Heine, international human rights lawyer and lead author of the Amnesty International Fair Trial Manual.
“We hope that people who use the Fair Trial Manual will be empowered to advocate around the world for fair trials and fair justice systems.”
Amnesty International claims that the Manual will be used by a wide range of people assessing the fairness of an individual criminal case or criminal justice system which include:
• lawyers and judges acting in criminal proceedings
• trial observers, legislators and human rights educators
• human rights monitors working to assist efforts to re-establish the rule of law and in complex post-conflict situations
Following are some of the endorsements for the first and second editions of the Manual:
“It is a must for anyone involved in examining how well a criminal trial or criminal justice system meets international standards of fairness. Frankly it is an invaluable toolbox for any criminal lawyer in practice, from beginner to seasoned professional… I intend to keep my Manual by my side.” Keir Starmer, QC, former Director of Public Prosecutions in the UK
“When I found the Fair Trial Manual, I felt like I had struck gold. It explains the multitude of legal standards in a comprehensive, straightforward and accessible way.” Dr Vivienne O’Connor, US Institute of Peace
“The Manual has proved to be a very valuable source to have for checking issues ‘on the go’ within a short period of time, and as a reference in practical situations including trial observation.” Mervat Rishmawi, Human rights consultant
“This is an important reference guide for me and my fellow judges.” Mohamed Tarawneh, Supreme Court Judge, Jordan
“I have little doubt that this revised Manual will be extensively used by human rights practitioners and activists in their day-to-day work.” Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena, Human rights lawyer and senior legal analyst, Sri Lanka