"This court, like all courts that defend Human Rights today, is under attack"

Ana Maria Guerra Martins, a Portuguese judge at the European Court of Human Rights, discusses the court's operations and the challenges it faces. She highlights the increasing number of cases from Portugal, particularly regarding detention conditions, which have surged due to ineffective internal remedies. The court is preparing a pilot judgment to address systemic issues in Portugal's detention system. Martins emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and the court's consistent support for press freedom, despite differing national perspectives. She also notes that issues of judicial secrecy often arise after violations have occurred, complicating cases involving public interest.