ABA ROLI Releases Comparative Analysis of Criminal Defense Advocacy in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Serbia

May 2014

The Comparative Analysis of Criminal Defense Advocacy in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Serbia was released at the opening conference of the Balkans Regional Rule of Law Network (BRRLN) Conference today in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. The report, which analyzes the profession of criminal defense advocacy in light of international law and standards, seeks to answer the question “What does a strong, independent, and effective criminal defense bar look like, and how can a regional network of defense lawyers help achieve this?” The BRRLN is a three-year program funded by USAID intended to strengthen the rule of law in the region by building a regional network of defense advocates, bar associations, civil society organizations, and journalists. The BRRLN opening conference is bringing together approximately 40 participants and future Network leaders  for three days to determine the network’s priorities and initial activities.