Avocats Sans Frontières in Lebanon
The right to freedom of opinion
August 2001. The Lebanese security service carries out searches in areas reputed to be hostile to the Syrian presence in Lebanon. Several lawyers are among those arrested.
ASF denounces the arbitrary character of the arrests. After a lengthy process, the majority of those arrested are released. The few who are found guilty have their sentences reduced.
Training and sharing expertise on trial observation
21-22 February 2003. In collaboration with the Institute of Human Rights of the Beirut, ASF organised a training session for Lebanese lawyers on the theory and practice of trial observation. This partnership was based on two principles: that trial observation can be an essential lever in promoting the right to a fair trial, and the importance of building groups of potential observers whose origins and linguistic skills can be an asset in observations of sensitive trials overseas.
Starting with a study of the legal concept of the ‘right to a fair trial’ (Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), ASF gave presentations based on its experience. Dealing with this topic allowed Lebanese lawyers calmly to raise the problems they faced in their daily practice. This awareness-raising work is all the more important in a country where the rights of the defence are frequently not respected.
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ASF Programmes
