Know your rights
No one shall be liable to be tried or punished again in criminal proceedings for an offence for which he or she has already been finally acquitted or convicted within the Union in accordance with the law.
This right is enshrined in article 50 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What to do if your rights have been breached
The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of fundamental rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.
Addressing your complaint to the relevant national authority, government, national courts or a specialised human rights body.
Related rights
Chapter 6 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights is on justice. This chapter also contains the following rights
- right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial
- presumption of innocence and right of defence
- principles of legality and proportionality of criminal offences and penalties
- right not to be tried or punished twice in criminal proceedings for the same criminal offence