Chapter Three. The Politics Of Prosecutions

Abstract

This chapter describes the main political and social interest groups engaged in advocacy for or against prosecutions. It gives a cursory overview of the political discussions and public debates along with a collection of government's most important statements on the subject. The chapter outlines, the common denominator of the talks was that a legislative solution should be reached on how to avoid prosecutions in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The so called 'prosecution policy and directives relating to the prosecution of offences emanating from the conflicts of the past and which were committed before 11 May 1994' were an amendment to the general prosecution policy of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The chapter summarizes the political motivations and considerations on the part of the government, and highlights the new aspects.Keywords: national prosecuting authority (NPA); political considerations; prosecution policy; truth and reconciliation commission (TRC)