The accused, Hassan Bdeir, brought a motion at the start of his sexual assault trial to have witnesses testify without face coverings or masks, arguing that facial expressions are crucial for credibility assessment and his right to make full answer and defence.
The court dismissed the motion, ruling that witnesses testifying in person must wear masks, citing the precautionary principle in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and balancing the accused's constitutional rights against public health and safety.
