![]() In organised crime cases a collaborator is a person holding valuable information being him/herself engaged in criminal activity and therefore subject to prosecution and punishment themselves. Collaborators with justice can also be provided with protection measures available for witnesses. Witness protection is the process in which witnesses who testify in criminal trials are provided with specific procedural and non-procedural protection measures aimed at effectively ensuring their - sometimes including their relatives'- safety before, during and after their testimony. All persons have a civic duty to give testimony as witnesses, and states have a duty to protect witnesses against any interference. Offenders often try to prevent witnesses from testifying, even by means of threat. PROVIDING witnesses with adequate protection can play a crucial part in bringing offenders to justice since the successful conclusion of each stage in criminal proceedings often depends on the cooperation of witnesses. However, the Impact Assessment procedure has led to the conclusion that at present it is not advisable to proceed with legislation at EU level. The Commission's Legislative and Work Programme for 2007 listed the protection of witnesses and individuals who cooperate with the judicial process as a priority initiative. It also outlines the key issues which need to be discussed in more depth before possibly leading to a harmonised European system for the protection of witnesses. This is followed by an analysis of problems, objectives and possible policy options. This working paper sets out the state of play on legislation and general practice at national, European and international level. ![]() ![]() ![]() This document is the result of the preparatory work required to assess the impact of any European legislative proposal in the area of protection of witnesses and collaborators with justice. On the feasibility of EU legislation in the area of protection of witnesses and collaborators with justice | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES | ![]()
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