Section III

PROCEEDINGS IN TRIAL COURT

Chapter 26

EXAMINATION DURING TRIAL

Article 298. Explaining the substance of charges to the defendant

After reading out documents referred to in Article 297 of the present Code, presiding judge explains to the defendant – and if there are several defendants to each of them – the substance of charges and asks him/her (them) if they understand the charges brought and if they plead guilty and if they are willing to testify. If a civil claim was brought in the case, presiding judge asks the defendant and civil defendant whether they agree with the claim

Article 67
Rights of the accused
1. In the determination of any charge, the accused shall be entitled to a public hearing, having regard to the provisions of this Statute, to a fair hearing conducted impartially, and to the following minimum guarantees, in full equality:
(a) To be informed promptly and in detail of the nature, cause and content of the charge, in a language which the accused fully understands and speaks