RESOLUTION

The European Bars Federation,

General Assembly in Lyon 29th May 2004:

Having taken note that the current US administration has created a centre for interrogation in Guantanamo where there are no limits on the period of detention and where the detainees are prevented from taking proceedings before a proper court by which the lawfulness of their detention might be judged

The European Bars Federation (FBE) expresses its deep concern about the denial of fundamental human rights to the prisoners in Guantanamo.

The European Bars Federation therefore urges the US administration not to deny the prisoners the protection of the most fundamental humanitarian principles of international public law.

Accordingly, the European Bars Federation demands:

• that the detainees in Guantanamo should either be charged with a criminal offence or released,

• that all accusations against the detainees should be decided by an independent court with the possibility of a recourse to an ordinary court,

• that all detainees should have access to legal assistance and shall have the right to be represented by independent lawyers of their own choosing.