In addition, and without prejudice, to any powers which a Special Tribunal may possess by virtue of any law for the time being in force to order the exclusion of the public from any proceedings, if at any stage in the course of a trial of any person before a Special Tribunal, application is made by the prosecution, on the ground that the publication of any evidence to be given or of any statement to be made in the course of the trial would be prejudicial to the safety of the State, that all or any portion of the public shall be excluded during any part of the hearing, the Special Tribunal may make an order to that effect, but the passing of the sentence shall in any case take place in public.