Non–disclosure of confidential requests for assistance

(1) Unless otherwise authorized by law, a person who, because of his or her official capacity or office, and being aware of the confidential nature of the request, has knowledge of– (a) the contents of a request; (b) the fact that such request has been, or is about to be, made; or (c) the fact that a request has been granted or refused, shall not disclose such contents or fact except to the extent that the disclosure is necessary to execute the request. (2) When requiring a person to provide a statement, testimony, information or evidence under this Act, the Magistrate, Judge or central authority may also, by the same instrument, direct the person providing a statement or testimony, or the custodian of evidence or information being provided, to keep confidential the fact of having given such statement or testimony, or having produced such evidence or information. (3) A person who contravenes sub–section (1) or a direction under sub–section (2) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.