Belenko Irina Anatolievna, candidate of Pedagogics, Associate Professsor of Sicial Subjects and Management Chair, South Ural State University. Russia, 454080, Chelyabinsk, Lenin avenue, 76. E-mail: Sommerlady@yandex.ru

The terrorist organization of the Red Army Fraction (Rote Armee Fraktion, RAF) became active in the 70s of the XX century in West Germany, as well as the gangs of the young criminals were united in “Hells Angels” rocker club. This period in the history of Germany associated with a large number of terrorist attacks, political assassinations, extortion and hostage-taking is known as “German Autumn”. This article describes the background of the Witness Protection Act originating in Germany. The article gives details of the contents of this law, as well as refers to measures to protect a key witness. It mentions some highprofile criminal cases involving witness protection program in Germany.

key witness, witness protection law, criminal trial, witness protection actions.