In its decision on application no. 1840/23, the ECtHR examined a request concerning the right to adequate time to prepare a defence in a criminal trial involving a serious charge.
The applicant alleged that the appointment of an ex officio lawyer, in the absence of his chosen representative, had infringed his right to an effective defence.
The Court found that the national authorities had taken proportionate measures to ensure the continuity of legal representation by allowing sufficient time for the appointed lawyer to familiarize himself with the case file and to prepare the defence. Furthermore, the final hearings were conducted by the applicant’s chosen lawyer, who was granted additional time for preparation.
In these circumstances, the ECtHR concluded that there had been no violation of the rights protected under Article 6 §§ 1 and 3(b) of the Convention and declared the application inadmissible.
