Article 231. Procedure for interrogation of a witness under the age of sixteen

The presiding judge shall clarify to the witnesses who have not reached the age of sixteen the obligation to truthfully tell everything known to them on the case, but they shall not be warned of criminal liability for intentionally giving false testimony.

During the interrogation of witnesses under the age of fourteen years, as well as during the interrogation of witnesses at ages between fourteen and sixteen at the discretion of the court, a specialist (teacher) and, if necessary, their parents, adoptive parents, caregivers, and custodians shall be summoned. The specified persons may — with the permission of the presiding judge — ask questions to the witness.

In exceptional cases — during the interrogation of a witness under the age of sixteen — certain persons participating in the case may be expelled from the courtroom by a court ruling. After the person is returned to the court session, the testimony of the minor witness shall be disclosed to him/her and the opportunity shall be given to ask questions to the witness.

A witness under the age of sixteen shall be expelled from the courtroom upon completion of his/her interrogation, except in cases when the court finds the presence of this witness in the courtroom necessary.