The Chamber of Advocates yesterdaywelcomed the recent introduction of new rights of disclosure for suspects of criminal offences.

Individuals under arrest or interrogation will now have the right to obtain information in possession of the prosecution so they will learn what they are being investigated for and be able to better prepare their defence.

The new rights, which entered into force on June 2, arise from the enactment of an EU directive approved in 2009.

The chamber said the rights were introduced following its specific recommendations to the government and would give lawyers better tools to defend their clients.

In announcing the measure, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici had said that, together with others in the pipeline, it should make the justice process more efficient. The government had long felt these rights should be implemented.

The directive aims at setting common minimal standards as part of a comprehensive package of legislation which also includes a number of other rights such as interpretation and translation of all documents and a police obligation to issue a letter of rights before any interrogation.

Suspected criminals will be able to consult their lawyer before and during interrogation, must be informed about the length of time they can be held under arrest and can inform their relatives or representatives of consular affairs of their arrest.