Introduction
by Martin Ennals, Secretary General
Amnesty International is run by its members and motivated by concern for human rights everywhere. Its aims are constantly re-examined and its actions perpetually scrutinized and criticized. Everyone agrees with something which AI has done; few agree with everything. Al is therefore constantly evolving, reacting to changes in governments and responding to new demands from prison- ers, from the public and from the membership. Governmental changes often bring to power those who have known of AI previously from prison, exile or opposi- tion, This in itself creates different relationships and more intimate comprehen- sion of Al's motivation and purpose.
But just as political change calls for readjustment so, too, long-standing problems may require new methods and clearer or re-defined objectives. Thus in 1974 the International Council brought into the main objectives of the organ- ization the concept of “fair trial" and opposition to long detention without trial. Someone detained for 10 years without trial may not always be non-violent and a prisoner of conscience, but he is certainly held without regard to his human rights. He is entitled to be considered innocent until proved guilty.
The nature of "fair trial" itself is one which is widely understood but rarely defined. Different cultures provide different measures. Trial by jury, trial by one's peers, legal defence of one's own choice, access to documentation and witnesses, right of appeal, civilian courts and judges: any of these would be ad- vanced by some as the prerequisite of fair trial, depending on practice, national custom and legal system. Such additions to AI's objectives necessarily add to the responsibility and area of judgement and interpretation left to the International Executive Committee and the International Secretariat.
Not all cases can be treated alike. Not all situations fall neatly into categories or classification systems. Stable Indonesia still maintains tens of thousands of prisoners without trial 10 years after their arrest. The Shah of Iran retains his benevolent image despite the highest rate of death penalties in the world, no valid system of civilian courts and a history of torture which is beyond belief. The governors of the Soviet Union still believe that dissent and minorities must be repressed or contained by imprisonment and physical restriction. The list of such situations is infinite, and they represent but a sample of the type of problem