Section 17Right of Accused Person During Trial

s. 17

17. Right of Accused Person During Trial [An accused person shall have the right to— (a) give any explanation relevant to the charge made against him during trial; (b) conduct his own defence before the Tribunal or to have the assistance of counsel; (c) present evidence at the trial in support of his defence, and to cross-examine any witness called by the prosecution. (d) be tried without undue delay; (e) have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of the defence and to communicate freely with counsel of the accused’s choosing in confidence; (f) avail the assistance of an interpreter, free of charge and at the expense of the government, if they do not understand or speak the language used in the proceedings; (g) have protection under Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 (Act No. 50 of 2013); (h) to be brought before a Tribunal within 24 hours exclusive of the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the Tribunal and shall not be arbitrarily detained.]

1. 31. Section 17 was substituted by section 15 of the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Act, 2026 (Act No. XIII of 2026) (With effect from 6th January 2009).