Actual problems concerning the protection of witnesses in RA criminal proceeding

Abstract

The main aim of this work to find out whether the Institute of witness protection is effectively exercised. This is the important issue, because the witness itself is an important participant of the criminal proceeding. The definition of witness is given in the 6th article of the European Convention in accordance with which the witness is a person, who has the information which has significant value for the case and whose testimony can be used for solving the case. The law establishes that the witness testimony along with the other sources of evidence and means of proof is the instrument of justice achievement. We can assume that testimony of witnesses has a big value for case solving and punishing the criminals. In practice the witnesses can be horrified by criminals or their accomplices and as a result of this they can refuse to testify. If they refuse to testify the important information source can be lost, and if that source is lost the chances of solving the case and punishing the criminals will reduce. In this connection everything must be done to secure witnesses and make them feel safe while cooperating with law enforcement authorities.