Physical Protection as a Witness Protection Measure in Ethiopia: Assessing its Procedural and Enforcement Challenges”
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Date
2024-09-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Physical protective measures are crucial to protect the safety and security of witnesses who may be in danger as a result of their cooperation to the criminal justice system. This study looks at the application of Ethiopian law on physical protection of witnesses. The study's objectives are evaluating the decision making process and enforcement of physical protection decisions under Ethiopian law and pinpointing what challenges witnesses and law enforcement organs encounter in carrying out these decisions. Data from important stakeholders, such as public prosecutors, police, and witnesses, are gathered for the study. The findings indicate that there are gaps both in the decision making process and enforcement of physical protection measures in Ethiopia. Such difficulties have been exacerbated by several factors, including inadequacy of existing legislation, lack of resources, skilled personnel, strong institutional structures and collaboration. To solve these problems, the study recommends strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, capacity building and public awareness campaigns concerning witness protection, training law enforcement authorities, and increasing resources for witness protection. Generally, this study is hoped to contribute to the expanding body of literature on witness protection and offers insightful information on the challenges facing efforts to safeguard witnesses Ethiopia.
Key words: witness, witness protection, physical protection, threat assessment, protection measures
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Keywords
witness, witness protection, physical protection, threat assessment, protection measures