**New Law to Protect Identities of Those Involved in Covert Investigations**
A new draft law is being reviewed by the Georgian Parliament, aimed at protecting the identities of individuals involved in operational-search activities or covert investigative actions. According to the proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the identity of a person cooperating with an investigation will be kept confidential.
**Why Is This Necessary?**
The initiators of the bill argue that it is essential to refine regulations to ensure the protection and confidentiality of individuals cooperating with investigative bodies. They claim that introducing legal provisions to prevent the disclosure of identities would protect the lives, health, and safety of those involved in covert investigations, as well as their families.
**How Will This Work?**
Under the proposed law, a prosecutor will be authorized to conceal the identity of a person participating in an operational-search or covert investigative action if disclosing it would endanger their safety or compromise the interests of justice. The prosecution must ensure that the person’s identity is concealed in all documents and materials related to the investigation, making it difficult for identification and recognition.
**A Balance Between Protection and Justice**
While the proposed law aims to protect the identities of those involved in covert investigations, it also ensures that the judge has access to this information at every stage of the proceedings. This means that the restriction on identifying someone involved in a covert action may be applied indefinitely.
**What Do the Authors Say?**
The authors of the bill argue that introducing these provisions is necessary to refine regulations and ensure the protection and confidentiality of individuals cooperating with investigative bodies. They claim that this will prevent the disclosure of identities, protect lives, health, and safety, and enhance the confidentiality of cooperation.
**A Step in the Right Direction?**
The proposed law aims to address a critical issue by introducing measures to protect the identities of those involved in covert investigations. By refining regulations and ensuring the protection and confidentiality of individuals cooperating with investigative bodies, this draft law may be seen as a step in the right direction towards a more secure and just society.
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