Article 8

The general rule is that all court hearings are held in public.

The public nature of the court hearings does not require the court to make special arrangements for accommodating the public.

The court, on its own motion or at the request of the parties, may order a hearing, or any part of it, to be conducted in camera if it is satisfied that:

publicity would defeat the object of the hearing;

the hearing concerns the national security of Eritrea;

confidential information is involved and publicity would damage that confidentiality;

a hearing in camera is necessary to protect the privacy of the parties or of other persons, such as children and patients;

the court considers this to be necessary in the interests of public order or the administration of justice.

The hearing, or any part of it that is held in camera, shall be conducted in compliance with this Code.