Tuesday, 4 May 2010 - Defence Witness 15's evidence held in private
Defence Witness 15 completes her testimony without any information being disclosed to the public. Her entire evidence was held in private session. The woman testified under protective measures with her image and voice distorted in order to conceal her identity and to protect her against any possible retaliation.
The hearing adjourned early today. The next Defence witness, Witness 34, was expected to take the stand immediately after Witness 15 but the Defence had "misevaluated" the length of time needed for preceding testimonies. The Defence Lead Counsel Catherine Mabille tells the Chamber that Witness 34 will be ready to testify tomorrow morning. Presiding Judge Fuldford reminds everyone that at this stage of the trial "time is precious," and points out the logistical problems the Court faces: in the upcoming months, three trials will share two court rooms. "I pledge the Defence and the Victims and Witness Unit to do everything they can do to ensure this situation does not happen again," says the Judge.
Before the hearing comes to an end, Ms. Mabille once again brings to the Chamber´s attention the translation problems in the course of certain testimonies. On previous occasions, the Defence had shown its concern about "the uncertainty in meanings and omissions" and had requested a solution. At this time, the team demands greater attention be paid to this issue: "We have noticed extremely important discrepancies in testimonies," says Ms. Mabille. According to the Defence Counsel, there are, for example, long passages of Witness 24´s testimony that were not translated. "Just reviewing this testimony took us fifty hours. We ourselves are carrying out this exercise but we are not professionals. The work needed to be done is extensive and we have a time constraint," says Ms. Mabille. The Chamber will refer to these demands tomorrow morning.
The next witness to testify will be Defence Witness 34.
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