‘In the same line of reasoning, the assistance of an interpreter should be provided during the investigating stage unless it is demonstrated in the light of the particular circumstances of each case that there are compelling reasons to restrict this right.’13 This established that, under the ECHR, the right to an interpreter at the police station is a basic guarantee of criminal procedure, akin to the assistance of a lawyer. This right, and many of the concepts evoked in the core statement, are now reflected in the main provisions of the Directive. C. OVERVIEW OF THE DIRECTIVE 1. At a glance Provision What it covers Particular aspects Article 1 Subject matter / scope  Applies to criminal proceedings and proceedings for execution of a European Arrest Warrant (EAW)  Applies from the time person is ‘made aware by the competent authorities … by official notification or otherwise, that they are suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence until the conclusion of proceedings’  Where minor offences sanctioned administratively and only the appeal is before a court, the Directive applies only to the court.  Does not affect laws concerning access to a lawyer or access to documents  Entitles suspected or accused persons ‘who do not speak or understand the language’ to interpretation without delay before judicial authorities and during police questioning,  Interpretation for communication between suspected and accused persons and legal counsel in direct connection with any questioning, hearing or appeal, where necessary to safeguard the fairness of proceedings  Appropriate assistance for persons with hearing or speech impediments  ‘Procedure or mechanism’ to ascertain whether interpretation needed  Right to challenge a decision finding that there is no need for interpretation / possibility to complain about quality of interpretation provided  Use of technology permitted Article 2 13 Right to interpretation Paragraphs. 24-25. 9