Witness protection programs - an attempt to achieve a balance between eliminating threats to witnesses and their relatives and safeguarding the rights of the accused

Abstract

In this study, the author examined the witness protection program in Latvia and other EU Member States, analyzing the legal provisions of the Republic of Latvia, national laws of the EU Member States, international legal acts and resolutions, recommendations, declarations, and international conventions. Common principle of all international legal acts and national legislation of the EU Member States is that the state is obliged to apply protective measures to the persons who testify in the criminal process, depending on and commensurate with the type and severity of the crime the witness testifies to. However, the work of the witness protection program should be carried out by maintaining a balance between observing the rights of witnesses and the accused, therefore, the main duty of the court is to achieve justice and equality of the parties before the law.