Sir Nicolas Bratza defends European court of human rights

Sir Nicolas Bratza defends European court of human rights

Outgoing president describes some criticism as 'beyond pale' and reminds states they are primary protectors of human rights

The view from Sir Nicolas Bratza's vast, curving windows takes in the skyline of Strasbourg, the European parliament building and, far below, the river Ill flooding east to join the Rhine.

Along the riverbank, at the judicial heart of the continent, there is a scattering of single-person tents – temporary homes for desperate petitioners to the European court of human rights (ECHR). A protest by Turks and Kurds parades outside the court's entrance to denounce Turkey for promoting an alleged torturer to a senior security post in Istanbul, thereby flouting ECHR rulings.