In an effort to deepen students' understanding of legal aid in criminal proceedings, a lecture was held at the Legal Clinic for criminal law, located within the Faculty of Law "Iustinianus Primus" in Skopje, North Macedonia. 19 law students discussed and explored the crucial aspects of legal aid in criminal proceedings, under the guidance of the Council of Europe consultant Victor Zaharia.

The lecture underscored the fundamental principle that individuals detained, arrested, or charged with criminal offenses must have access to legal aid at every stage of the legal process. From initial police questioning to the highest appellate stages, the right to legal representation is pivotal. Zaharia, drawing upon his extensive experience as President of the Moldova National Council for State Guaranteed Legal Aid and as a member of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), shed light on international standards and best practices.

Furthermore, the session facilitated an interactive dialogue among students on the prospect of establishing a unified body to manage the free legal aid system in North Macedonia. Insights from Moldova's successful model served as inspiration, illustrating the potential for an efficient, effective, and responsive legal aid system tailored to the needs of the people.

This lecture is organised with the support of the action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid (FLA) system in North Macedonia” which is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” in co-operation with the Legal Clinic for criminal law at the Faculty of Law Iustinianus Primus in Skopje.