On the occasion of any criminal proceedings and at all stages of the proceedings, including during the enforcement of the sentence, the victim and the perpetrator of an offence, provided that the facts have been acknowledged, may be offered a restorative justice measure.
A restorative justice measure is any measure that enables a victim as well as the perpetrator of an offence to play an active part in resolving the difficulties resulting from the offence, and in particular in repairing the damage of any kind resulting from its commission. This measure can only be taken after the victim and the offender have been fully informed about it and have expressly agreed to take part. It is carried out by an independent third party trained for this purpose, under the supervision of the judicial authority or, at the latter’s request, the prison administration. It is confidential, unless otherwise agreed by the parties and except in cases where an overriding interest linked to the need to prevent or suppress offences justifies information relating to the progress of the measure being brought to the attention of the public prosecutor.