Fair Trials
Fair Trials International (FTI) is a UK-registered NGO which works for fair trials according to international standards of justice and defends the rights of those facing charges in a country other than their own.
FTI pursues its mission by providing individual legal assistance through its casework practice. It also addresses the root causes of injustice through broader research and campaigning and builds local legal capacity through targeted training, mentoring and network activities.[1]
FTI is a small charity, with five full time and two part time staff. It relies on volunteers and pro bono assistance from lawyers across the world to help it achieve its mission.
History
Fair Trials International was founded by lawyer Stephen Jakobi in 1992 (under the name Fair Trials Abroad) as a response to widespread public outrage over the case of Karen Smith, a British citizen arrested in Thailand for drug smuggling, who was tried without proper legal representation or redress.[2] Since then, the charity has assisted hundreds of people all over the world facing criminal charges outside their home country whose fair trial rights have required protection or who have been the victims of miscarriages of justice.
Casework
Fair Trials International assists around 500 individuals each year and provides in-depth assistance in approximately 50 cases at any one time. It uses a network of lawyers and diplomatic, political and media contacts to advocate on behalf of clients and protect their fundamental right to a fair trial. It does not charge clients for the service it offers.
Fair Trials International has provided assistance on several high profile cases[3] including the case of English nanny Louise Woodward who, in 1997, was arrested in America for murder, after the tragic death of a baby in her care.[4] Following her arrest, Louise was vilified by the American press, who labelled her “Massachusetts’ most notorious criminal.” Concerned that Louise was being tried by the media, her lawyers attempted to transfer her case to another state. This transfer was refused.
Notwithstanding major flaws in the prosecution case and compelling defence arguments, Louise was found guilty of second degree murder by a split jury. With assistance from Fair Trials International, Louise’s sentence was reduced on appeal. The court found that there was no malice in Louise’s actions and that “allowing this defendant on this evidence to remain convicted of second-degree murder would be a miscarriage of justice.” Louise has always maintained her innocence. In 2007, 10 years later, the key prosecution witness reversed his evidence stating: “the science we have today could, in fact, have exonerated Louise. There is certainly, in retrospect, reasonable doubt.”[5]
Other high-profile Fair Trials International cases include:
Ian Stillman[6]: In August 2000, deaf charity worker Ian Stillman was arrested in India for smuggling 20 kilograms of cannabis after the drug was found in a shared taxi. He has always maintained his innocence. Fair Trials International campaigned for his release and in 2002 he was finally released after spending 2 years in prison.
Greek Plane Spotters[7] [8]: In November 2001, a group of 12 British and two Dutch plane spotters were arrested on charges of espionage after taking notes during an open day at a Greek Air Force base. They were found guilty in 2002. As a result of legal intervention and political campaigning from Fair Trials International, the Greek courts overturned the conviction on appeal.
Ghana Girls[9]: In July 2007, two 16 year old girls, Yetunde Diya and Yasemin Vatansever, were arrested for possession of 6kg of cocaine at Accra airport in Ghana. The girls said they were duped and did not know they were carrying drugs. With help from Fair Trials International, the girls received only a one year prison sentence instead of the maximum 3 year sentence.
Campaigns, research and lobbying
Fair Trials International also conducts campaigning, research and lobbying activity, using evidence from its casework to identify problems in the administration of justice and the protection of fundamental rights.[10] It conducts research into access to justice and fundamental rights and uses the results to lobby for reform, for example on European Union legislation such as the European Arrest Warrant.[11]
See also
References
- ^ http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/consulting_public/0001/contributions/fair_trials_international_en.pdf
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1959643.stm
- ^ http://www.thelawyer.com/last-hope-of-the-condemned/103513.article
- ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/new-facts-expose-flaw-in-case-against-british-nanny-accused-of-murder-1233398.html
- ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-440819/Louise-Woodward-wants-baby-own.html
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1752996.stm
- ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-111295/Plane-spotters-face-witnesses-Greek-court.html
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/dec/11/greece
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7204941.stm
- ^ http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/opinion/comment/fast-track-extradition-european-arrest-warrant-being-misused
- ^ http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmjust/162/16205.htm