Prominent lawyer says government must protect victims, witnesses

Santo Domingo.- Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (Finjus) vice president Serbio Tulio Castaños on Thursday said the State must be committed to and enact public policies to protect victims and witnesses in court cases.

"It is still an institution under construction where the authorities, not just the Justice Ministry but the State as such, must pay more attention, because there’re cases that often arenot prosecuted on fear that victims and witnesses are subject to reprisals," said the prominent attorney.

He said witnesses as well as the victims in all judicial proceedings are more than just a part of the evidence; they are essential tools for the solution of cases. "As long as we fail to see this, we’re going to continue to stumble, the State must have a clear policy."

Castaños noted that it’s not only a problem exclusive to legislation and reiterated that there must be the State’s commitment.

He also warned that before approving any law in that regard, the government’s policies should be very clear. "You can’t go to the Congress without a defined State policy."