Victims' affidavits can be used in human trafficking cases, says Federal Court

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court here on Friday declared that the use of depositions (sworn evidence in an affidavit) by smuggled persons can be admitted as evidence in human trafficking cases.

Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in a unanimous decision, said Section 61A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom), which stated that any deposition of a trafficked person or smuggled migrant who has been deported shall, without further proof, be admitted as prima facie evidence of any fact stated in the deposition, does not violate the Federal Constitution.