Offences against administration of justice

Austria

Austria - Federal Law on Cooperation with the ICC (EN) 2002

Part 2
Specific provisions

Section 5

40. Enforcement of sentences of imprisonment for offences against the administration of justice

Having regard to the enforcement of sentences of imprisonment imposed by the International Criminal Court for offences against the administration of justice pursuant to article 70 of the Statute, this federal law, with the exception of the provisions in paragraphs 32(1) and (5), 33(1) to (5), and 39 above, shall not apply. The procedure shall comply with paragraphs 65 to 67 of the law on extradition and judicial assistance (ARHG).

Part 2
Specific provisions
Section 8

44. Accepting to prosecute offences against the administration of justice
1. At the request of the International Criminal Court, the offences listed in article 70 (1) of the Statute may be prosecuted in Austria where they have been committed on Austrian territory or by Austrian nationals.
2. In judging such offences, the International Criminal Court shall be regarded as if it were an Austrian court and its officials as if they were Austrian officials.
3. Paragraph 60 of the law on extradition and judicial assistance (ARHG) shall be applied with the understanding that references therein to the requesting State relate to the International Criminal Court.

Rome Statute

Article 70 Offences against the administration of justice

1. The Court shall have jurisdiction over the following offences against its administration of justice when committed intentionally:

(a) Giving false testimony when under an obligation pursuant to article 69, paragraph 1, to tell the truth;

(b) Presenting evidence that the party knows is false or forged;

(c) Corruptly influencing a witness, obstructing or interfering with the attendance or testimony of a witness, retaliating against a witness for giving testimony or destroying, tampering with or interfering with the collection of evidence;

(d) Impeding, intimidating or corruptly influencing an official of the Court for the purpose of forcing or persuading the official not to perform, or to perform improperly, his or her duties;

(e) Retaliating against an official of the Court on account of duties performed by that or another official;

(f) Soliciting or accepting a bribe as an official of the Court in connection with his or her official duties.

2. The principles and procedures governing the Court's exercise of jurisdiction over offences under this article shall be those provided for in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The conditions for providing international cooperation to the Court with respect to its proceedings under this article shall be governed by the domestic laws of the requested State.

3. In the event of conviction, the Court may impose a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, or both.

4.

(a) Each State Party shall extend its criminal laws penalizing offences against the integrity of its own investigative or judicial process to offences against the administration of justice referred to in this article, committed on its territory, or by one of its nationals;

(b) Upon request by the Court, whenever it deems it proper, the State Party shall submit the case to its competent authorities for the purpose of prosecution. Those authorities shall treat such cases with diligence and devote sufficient resources to enable them to be conducted effectively.