On: Chelsea Manning Can Remain in Jail for Another Yea...

[skrause]

> None of this would be possible in a civilized country.

I think the same concept exists in many civilized countries. In Germany it's called Erzwingungshaft (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzwingungshaft) and can be up to half a year for refusing to testify (though you can refuse to testify against yourself or close relatives without repercussions, similar to the 5th amendment).

[italophil → skrause]

In Germany Ordnungshaft (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnungsmittel) is the measure for refusing to testify. It is strongly regulated and can't extend longer than 6 weeks without going to a higher court.

Erzwingungshaft is incarceration for failure to pay fines or penalties.

[skrause → italophil]

No, it's the other way round if you read the actual law: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stpo/__70.html

(1) Ordnungshaft is what you get if you fail to pay the fine (Ordnungsgeld) for refusing to testify.

(2) Erzwingungshaft is a separate thing, has nothing to do with a fine and can be up to half a year.

[dahdum → skrause]

I’m hard pressed to find examples of any country allowing witnesses to refuse to testify, the right to silence in common law applies to the accused.

UK, Canada, and even Sweden all have compelled testimony.

[pera → skrause]

Germany doesn't have grand juries though