'Victims' protection - national procedures for ICC proceedings' in document 'Estonia - Criminal Procedure Code'

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RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION

Chapter 3
PROOF

Division 2
Hearing of Witnesses

ยง 67. Ensuring safety of witnesses

(1) Taking into account the gravity of a criminal offence or the exceptional circumstances relating thereto, a preliminary investigation judge may, at the request of a Prosecutor's Office, declare a witness anonymous by a ruling in order to ensure the safety of the witness.

(2) In order to make a ruling on anonymity, a preliminary investigation judge shall question the witness in order to ascertain his or her reliability and the need to ensure his or her safety, and shall hear the opinion of the prosecutor. If necessary, the preliminary investigation judge shall examine the criminal file.

(3) A fictitious name shall be assigned to an anonymous witness on the basis of the ruling on anonymity and the name shall be used in procedural acts in accordance with subsection 146 (8) of this Code.

(4) Information concerning the name, personal identification code or, in the absence thereof, date of birth, citizenship, education, residence and place of employment or the educational institution of a witness declared anonymous shall be enclosed in an envelope bearing the number of the criminal matter and the signature of the person conducting the proceedings. The envelope shall be sealed and kept separately from the criminal file. The information contained in the envelope shall be examined only by the person conducting the proceedings who shall seal and sign the envelope again after examining the information.

(5) In a court proceeding, a witness bearing a fictitious name shall be heard by telephone pursuant to the procedure provided for in clause 69 (2) 2) of this Code using voice distortion equipment, if necessary. Questions may be also submitted to the witness in writing.

(6) Regardless of whether or not a witness has been declared anonymous, the provisions of the Witness Protection Act may be applied to the witness in order to ensure his or her safety.
[RT I 2005, 39, 307 - entry into force 21.07.2005]

RELEVANT ROME STATUTE PROVISIONS

Article 93
Other forms of cooperation
1. States Parties shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Part and under procedures of national law, comply with requests by the Court to provide the following assistance in relation to investigations or prosecutions:
(j) The protection of victims and witnesses and the preservation of evidence