Article 22. Declaration of challenge or self-withdrawal

There being cause, as specified in articles 20 and 21 of this Code, the judge, the public prosecutor, expert, specialist, secretary of the judicial session and interpreter shall be obliged to declare self-withdrawal. On the same grounds, their challenge may be declared by the persons participating in the case. A challenge to the public prosecutor, expert, specialist, secretary of the judicial session, interpreter may also be considered on the initiative of the court.

A self-withdrawal or challenge shall be motivated and declared prior to the beginning of consideration of the case on its merits.

During consideration of the case, the declaration of self-withdrawal or challenge is allowed only when the grounds of self-withdrawal or challenge became known to the person declaring self-withdrawal or challenge after the beginning of consideration of the case on its merits.

A repeat challenge on the same grounds may not be declared by one and the same person. If such repeat challenge declared, it shall not be considered.