After you have provided us with information, we may ask you to make a statement about what you know.
This Charter summarises the standards of care you can expect from the Commission if we ask you to give information or evidence about an event related to the Troubles/Conflict that we are investigating.
Can I choose to remain anonymous?
Any witness may make a request to remain anonymous during, and after, their engagement with our Information Recovery team. These requests are considered by the Chief Commissioner who decides on all anonymity requests from witnesses, taking into account any expert advice and assessment.
Witnesses who are granted anonymity should be aware that the position may need to be reviewed as the case progresses and the evidence unfolds.
If you can provide information related to any of our live investigations, contact our Information Recovery team.
Written notices (Section 14 notice)
In some circumstances, the Commission may issue a written notice requesting you to:
- Provide information, documents or items in your possession
- Attend at a time and place to provide information, or a statement.
You must comply with the notice unless you claim you are unable to comply with it or that it is not reasonable to require you to comply with it.
Section 14 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 gives the Commission these powers.
Fines
The Commission can fine a person up to £5,000 if they fail, without reasonable excuse to comply with a Section 14 notice and do not provide the requested information.
Distorting evidence, or suppressing relevant information, when requested to comply with a written notice, can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
Schedule 4 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 gives the Commission these powers.