In the anonymous-witness scenario, which ECHR article is potentially violated?

• A. Article 6(3)(d)
• B. Article 5
• C. Article 3
• D. Article 8

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the right to a fair trial, specifically the ability to confront and test evidence by examining witnesses. Article 6(3)(d) guarantees that the accused can examine or have examined witnesses against him and can obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the law. When a witness is anonymous, the defense loses the chance to assess credibility, ask direct questions, or challenge the testimony in person, which threatens the fairness of the proceedings. Safeguards can exist in practice, but anonymity directly interferes with the procedural safeguard of witness examination, making Article 6(3)(d) the most relevant and potentially violated. The other listed rights—liberty and security, prohibition of torture, and privacy—do not centrally govern the process of witness examination, so they are less directly implicated here.