Protecting witnesses - Freedom to give evidence is essential

NO ONE can remain under any illusions about the determination of criminal gang leaders to use whatever force is necessary to protect their illegal businesses.

Hardly a week goes by without a murder, more often than not carried out by professional assassins. Each violent death is a stark warning to those who would in any way oppose the criminal killers.

That is why it is so disconcerting to hear that a witness in a murder trial has complained that they feel vulnerable, that they feel they are not afforded protection by the community they had the courage to defend by offering testimony in a murder trial.

Our justice system is based on people having the freedom to stand up in open court, face the accused person and offer evidence that might lead to a conviction.

This process is not without risk and it is essential that risk is minimised by protection offered by the State, otherwise we can forget about convicting serious criminals.