In 2008, European Court of Human Rights issued a groundbreaking decision in case of Salduz v Turkey. The court held that people detained at police stations have the right to access a lawyer.

Efforts to secure the right to access a lawyer during police detention are sweeping across Europe. 

The issue of early access to counsel for criminal suspects has gained enormous momentum across Europe in 2011. 

Something strange is happening in Europe. After years of inaction, governments are suddenly getting serious about arrest rights. 

The French parliament voted in January 2011 to allow a defence lawyer to be present during questioning by police and for suspects to be granted the right to silence.