THE TELEGRAPH: Britons arrested in Europe will not have the right to demand a full translation of the charges they are facing, under proposals supported by the government.
Britain has backed plans to "dilute" the rights of its citizens when extradited or caught up in criminal proceedings in other European countries.
Justice campaigners say anyone facing criminal allegations abroad under a European Arrest Warrant will be hit by the plan.
The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe has accused Britain of pushing for procedures that do not provide proper protection for suspects.
The CCBE, which represents one million European lawyers, is concerned because the right to translation has been limited to only "essential" documents – a "formula which is too vague and open to abuse".
Under EU legislation, British courts must allow a European Arrest Warrant extradition to take place even if there are concerns about the standards of justice in the country that they are being sent to.
Fair trial campaigners say people will be deported to countries such as Portugal, Hungary, Greece and Bulgaria where charges are made and trials held without an English translation allowing them to follow proceedings. >>> Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Friday, March 12, 2010
