particularly reliable circumstance:
(a) Death;
(b) Overseas residence;
(c) Physical or mental diseases or disabilities;
(d) Unknown whereabouts;
(e) Any other reason equivalent to those prescribed in items (a) through (d).
(2) When deciding whether a video recording with admissibility of evidence is used as evidence of a
conviction under paragraph (1) 2, a court shall consider the relationship with the accused, the details of a
crime, the age and mental and physical state of a victim, the psychological trauma that a victim may suffer
due to statements, the details of the statements made by a victim under the age of 19, etc. that are included
in the video recording, the attitude taken when the victim makes the statements, and other matters. In such
cases, the court shall hear the opinion of a professional examiner or a professional prescribed in Article 33.
Article 31 (Non-Disclosure of Trials)
(1) A court may decide not to disclose a trial on a sexual crime to the public to protect the privacy of the
victim.
(2) The victim of a sexual crime or his or her family member, who is summoned as a witness, may request
that the witness examination should not be disclosed to the public, on the ground of protection, etc. of his
or her own privacy.
(3) Upon receipt of a request under paragraph (2), the presiding judge may decide the methods and place
for the witness examination, including whether to accept the request, whether to disclose the witness
examination to the public, and whether to conduct the witness examination at a place other than the court.
(4) Article 57 (2) and (3) of the Court Organization Act and Article 67 (2) and (3) of the Military Court
Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to cases falling under paragraphs (1) and (3). <Amended on Apr. 5, 2013>
Article 32 (Establishment and Operation of Witness Assistance Facilities)
(1) Each level of court shall have appropriate facilities for protecting and assisting victims, etc. so as to
keep any victim, etc. appearing in court as a witness from encountering the accused or his or her family
before or after trial.
(2) Each level of court shall have employees who will take charge of the management and operation of the
facilities mentioned in paragraph (1) and the protection of and provision of assistance to victims, etc.
(hereinafter referred to as "witness assistance officers").
(3) Each court shall provide, on a regular basis, education necessary to raise the level of witness assistance
officers' sensitivity to human rights.
(4) Matters necessary for the duties, qualifications, education, etc. of witness assistance officers shall be
prescribed by the Supreme Court Regulations.
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