36
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(d)
The courts are equipped with the power to punish those who refuse to given evidence. Under section 21(4) of the Magistrates Ordinance, if a person comes before a magistrate as a witness but refuses to be sworn, or, having been sworn, refuses to answer questions put to him, he is liable to be imprisoned for a period of up to 12 months. Section 36 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance confers a similar power on the High Court and District Court to punish such witnesses for contempt of court up to a maximum period of 2 years' imprisonment.
Mr President, in addition, the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 1995 now being studied by this Council contains proposals which will enable witnesses in fear to give evidence in all levels of court through live television link. This will add to the existing arrangements I have just mentioned.
These arrangements provide a comprehensive range of measures designed to ensure that criminal cases are heard on their merits with witnesses willing and confident to give full testimony in court. In order to support the rule of law we also need the co-operation of the community to come forward, report offences and give
evidence in court.