Council of Ministers Approves Defence Rights Amendment for Justice Efficiency

The Council of Ministers approved a new amendment to the Regulations on the Right to Defence and Legal Technical Assistance on Wednesday.

The changes aim to improve access to the regulations while addressing practical needs and developments in the justice system. Key updates include revisions to the lawyer appointment process for on-duty and pro bono shifts, designed to boost efficiency and institutional coordination.

The amendment also clarifies criteria for assessing the assets and financial capacity of applicants, particularly for entities declared in cessation of payments or bankruptcy.

Fees for lawyers in on-duty and pro bono roles have been adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and the complexity of their responsibilities. These amounts will now receive annual updates based on the consumer price index (CPI), starting in 2027.

The right to defence and legal technical assistance forms a core guarantee of effective judicial protection and the proper functioning of the justice administration. The government first approved the regulations on 17 December 2014, creating a comprehensive framework for on-duty and pro bono shifts, as well as free legal defence and assistance, in line with the Qualified Law on Justice of 3 September 1993.

The framework has undergone several updates over time to meet evolving practical demands and legal changes. The previous amendment dates to 19 March 2025.