1.
No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account
of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or
international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be
imposed than the one that was applicable at the time when the criminal offence was
committed. If, subsequent to the commission of the offence, provision is made by
law for the imposition of a lighter penalty, the offender shall benefit thereby.
2.
Nothing in this article shall prejudice the trial and punishment of any per
son for any act or omission which, at the time when it was committed, was criminal
according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations.
Official text
Spot-checked
In force from 16 December 1966
Source page 7