Title IV: The manner in which statements by members of the Government and representatives of foreign powers are received

The Prime Minister and other members of the Government may appear as witnesses only after authorisation by the Council of Ministers, on the report of the Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice. Such authorisation shall be given by decree. The provisions of this article shall not apply to members of the Government heard as assisted witnesses.

When the appearance takes place by virtue of the authorisation provided for in the preceding article, the statement shall be received in the ordinary manner.

Where appearance has not been requested or has not been authorised, the evidence shall be received in writing at the witness’s residence, by the first president of the court of appeal or, if the witness resides outside the chief town of the court, by the president of the judicial tribunal of his residence. To this end, a statement of the facts and a list of the claims and issues on…

The statement thus received shall be immediately delivered to the registry or sent, closed and sealed, to that of the requesting court and communicated, without delay, to the public prosecutor and to the interested parties. In the assize court, it shall be read publicly and submitted to the debates.

The written deposition of a representative of a foreign power is requested through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. If the request is granted, this deposition is received by the first president of the court of appeal or by the magistrate delegated by him. It is then carried out in the manner provided for in the articles 654, paragraph 2, and 655.