![]() Judges can also conduct parts of hearings in private or closed sessions when necessary to protect the witness's identity or the identity of other persons at risk on account of testimony. ![]() Such measures may consist of face/voice distortion while the witness is giving evidence and/or the use of a pseudonym. The Chamber can order certain protective measures that apply while the witness testifies in order to protect the witness's identity and whereabouts. Witness relocation is only used as a last resort, due to the immense burden this puts on the witnesses and their families. These measures could include local protection measures, an assisted move or various security arrangements aimed at addressing the identified threat. When there are multiple suitable and available options for protective measures, the Court will choose those that are the least intrusive on the witness's wellbeing. Measures must be proportional to the risk. Protective measures where witnesses reside aim to limit the witness's exposure to threats or provide an appropriate response to an identified threat. The Court's protection system is based on best practices which are aimed at concealing the witness's interaction with the Court from their community and from the public in general. The Court has a number of protective measures that can be granted to witnesses, victims who appear before the Court and other persons at risk on account of testimony given by a witness. Allowance rates are established for various countries, in order to cover possible residence of the witnesses and possible location of video-link testimony. In accordance with regulations 84(2) and 85(3)(a) of the Regulations of the Registry, the Registrar determines the rates and reviews them annually. This provides compensation for wages, earnings and time lost as a result of the witnesses' absence from their place of residence for the purpose of their appearance before the Court. ![]() It is evaluated based on the cost of living in this location. This covers the costs related to the witness's personal expenses in the location and for the duration of the testimony while testifying. Gbagbo and Blé Goudé ( ICC-02/11-01/15-355-Anx)Īs practical support, witnesses – independently of the party calling them – may receive two types of allowances to compensate for the financial burden related to the testimonies.The Registry will also see if any particular measures would be needed to ensure that the witness can testify in a secure manner and also takes into consideration their privacy, dignity and well-being. They do not discuss with them any element of their testimonies. They also test out the computer screens and microphones together with the witness, and answer any practical questions the witness might have. The staff members explain where the Defence, the Prosecution, Legal Representatives of Victims (where applicable) and Judges will sit during the hearing. One particular form of support for witnesses who come to the ICC to testify in Court is the process of "Courtroom familiarization", during which, the Registry staff members show them the Courtroom in advance, before the hearing starts, to allow them to sit in the witness stand for the first time and become familiar with the Courtroom. ICC Registry staff offer various means of practical support to witnesses, from obtaining visas so they can travel to the seat of the Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, assistance during their travel and stay at the place of testimony, to setting up video link services so witnesses can testify closer to their place of residence when granted by the Chamber. These witnesses can be called, or asked to give testimony, by the Office of the Prosecutor, the Defence, the Legal Representative of Victims, or the Judges themselves. Overview witnesses help establish facts about the context in which a conflict occurred, and can include, for example, professors or NGO representatives. Insider witnesses have a direct connection with the accused.Įxpert witnesses testify about matters within the field of their expertise, for example, ballistic or forensic experts. Some of these witnesses can also hold the status of participating victims before the Court they are called dual-status witnesses. They can be crimes-based witnesses when they have suffered harm and testify as witnesses about what happened to them. ![]() ![]() There are several types of witnesses who can testify before the Court.įact witnesses have knowledge and testify about what happened. ![]()
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