The Office of the Director of Prosecutions says the state makes applications for screens to be put up for alleged vulnerable rape victims when they give evidence in the trials to ensure that they do not have to see the accused or members of the public cannot see the alleged victims.
The DPP’s Office says during the beginning of the trial of the Leader of Jezreel Lion of Judah, Jone Cokanauto, the state had organised for the screens to be put up while the witnesses gave evidence however it was the witnesses who informed the court that they prefer to confront the accused and did not want the screen and this was approved by the judge.
The court has also provided a private room for the witnesses to stay during the duration of the trial.
They are accompanied by two CID officers who escort the witnesses to and from the court.
There is also a name suppression order in effect and also taking of pictures of the witnesses is prohibited within the court vicinity. This applies to the general public as well as the media.
Fijivillage raised the question as there are a number of people, including Cokanauto’s Jezreel Lion of Judah supporters, coming in to listen to the evidence in the Cokanauto trial and many are also standing around at the main entrance of the court room.
We asked what is being done to ensure that the alleged rape victims are protected and whether they are being accommodated in a private room and are coming through the side door of the court room rather than through the main entrance of the court room. This is to ensure that the alleged victims are not victimised in any way.
The screen was put up for the fourth prosecution witness yesterday after she had made the request for it.
