(1) Where criminal proceedings have been instituted against a person, or a person is joined in criminal

proceedings, the Central Authority of the foreign State or competent authority of the foreign entity concerned may on application by

(a) that person, or

(b) that person's legal representative issue a request for assistance to the Central Authority of another foreign State.

(2) A request that originates from an accused person or the legal representative of an accused person shall not be a ground for the refusal for assistance.

(3) The costs related to a request made under subsection (1) shall be borne by the accused person.