Cap. 539 Art. 7Right to interpretation and translation.

(1) Where the injured party does not understand the language in which the criminal proceedings are conducted or any evidence is adduced, such proceedings or evidence shall be interpreted to him either by the court or by a sworn interpreter.

(2) An injured party who does not understand or speak the language of the court shall, upon request, be provided with translations of information essential to the exercise of his rights in the criminal proceedings in a language he understands, free of charge, to the extent that such information is made available to the injured party.

(3) Translations of the information cited in sub-article (2) shall include at least any decision ending the criminal proceedings, and upon the injured party’s request, reasons or a brief summary of reasons for such decision, except in the case of a verdict in a trial by jury.

(4) Saving the provisions of articles 410(4) to (6), 414(1) and 421(1) of the Criminal Code, an injured party who is entitled to information about the time and place of the trial in accordance with article 6(1)(b) and who does not understand the language of the court shall, upon request, be provided with a translation of the information to which he is entitled.

(5) An injured party may submit a reasoned request to consider a document as essential although there shall be no requirement to translate passages of essential documents which are not relevant for the purpose of enabling the injured party to actively participate in the criminal proceedings.

(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-articles (1) and (2), an oral translation or oral summary of essential documents may be provided instead of a written translation on condition that such oral translation or oral summary does not prejudice the fairness of the proceedings.

(7) The court shall assess whether victims need interpretation or translation as provided for under sub-articles (1) and (2). Victims may challenge the court’s decision not to provide interpretation or translation.