Cuts mean translation services no longer available at police stations

[aspasia]

Translation services at comisarias are being axed immediately due to cuts, the Dirección General de la Policía has announced in instructions to all regional police chiefs.  The Interior Ministry had originally intended to withdraw all interpretation services in comisarias, but this was found to be in breach of criminal justice legislation which recognizes the right of those detained to assistance in their own language. What has finally been decided, however, is the withdrawal of translation services in the "presentation of denuncias and other procedures". The change of heart is clearly shown by the two emails sent out, the second  of which says the cuts are due to budgetary restrictions. JA