Comparative Analysis of “Standards for the Protection of Witnesses and Informants” in International Criminal Proceedings and the Possibility of Their Application in Iran
Keywords:
witness protection, informants, International Criminal Court, Iranian criminal procedure, fair trial, international standards.Abstract
The protection of witnesses and informants constitutes one of the fundamental requirements of fair and effective criminal proceedings, particularly in cases whose nature involves threats, violence, or entrenched power structures. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of protective standards in international criminal trials and to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating such standards into the Iranian legal system. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical method with a comparative approach, and data were collected through the examination of international legal instruments, the jurisprudence of international criminal tribunals, and domestic legislation. The findings indicate that although Iran has taken certain steps in recent years toward strengthening witness protection mechanisms, a significant gap remains in comparison with international standards in terms of comprehensiveness of protective measures, institutional independence, enforcement guarantees, and practical effectiveness. Moreover, a considerable portion of international protective mechanisms can be localized within the Iranian legal framework through legislative reforms and the establishment of specialized institutions. The study ultimately proposes a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the system of protection for witnesses and informants within the framework of domestic law.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Yousef Ali Moradi Zirian (Author); Mahmoud Habibitabar (Corresponding author); Abbas Tadayyon (Author)
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