Type: Judgment

Authority: National Courts House of Lords

Date: 07/31/2007

Subject: Following the appeal of some police officers on duty in Northern Ireland who, called to witness during a trial, asked to remain anonymous, fearing that danger for their lives could increase because of their giving evidence and of the existence of paramilitary terrorists in the State, the House of lords has stated that ECHR’s art. 2 requires States to do whatever they can to defend everybody’s right to life, also by balancing all interests involved. Therefore, if there is a real and immediate risk that the witness be in a bigger danger that he would if he had remained anonymous, the State must guarantee such protection.

Parties: -

Original language: English

Classification: Dignity - Art. 2 Right to life - General provisions - Art. 52 Scope of guaranteed rights

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