Non-disclosure of other information – witness protection

Germany

Germany - Criminal Procedure Code 1950 (2024) EN

Section 68a
Limitation of right to ask questions to protect privacy

(1) Questions concerning facts which may dishonour the witness or a relative of the witness within the meaning of section 52 (1) or which concern their personal sphere of life are, as a rule, to be asked only if they cannot be dispensed with.

(2) Questions concerning circumstances justifying the witness’s credibility in the case at hand, in particular concerning his or her relationship with the accused or the aggrieved person, are to be asked insofar as this is necessary. Witnesses are, as a rule, to be asked about any previous convictions only if their establishment is necessary in order to decide whether the conditions of section 60 no. 2 have been met or to determine a witness’s credibility.

Rome Statute

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;