OSCE Mission to Skopje supports publication of book on correct detention procedures

SKOPJE, 27 February 2009 - A book that provides guidelines for proper detention procedures, published with support by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, was presented to judges, prosecutors, attorneys and representatives of international organizations in Skopje today.

The "Handbook on imposing detention" aims to help domestic courts act in accordance with international standards when detaining suspects. Written by the Association of Judges, the book is the result of a project also supported by the US Department of Justice's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training.

"Pre-trial detention severely limits the personal right to freedom of people that are presumed innocent. Therefore, it should be approached with due diligence. Judicial stakeholders must ensure that pre-trial detention is imposed in accordance with national law and international human rights standards," said Lisa Tilney, the Head of OSCE Mission's Rule of Law Department.

Dragan Tumanovski, the president of the Association of Judges, added: "The handbook provides practical guidelines for judges, prosecutors and attorneys engaged in detention cases. It will contribute to harmonizing court practice in weighing detention against other measures that also ensure the presence of the accused and the successful conduct of the legal procedure."

As part of the project, the OSCE Mission to Skopje conducted and published an analysis in early 2008 on the application of detention by the basic courts. The analysis found that international standards were not fully adhered to in more than 80 per cent of the cases.