News / National
Lawyers blast court over arrested protestors
25 Jan 2019 at 07:59hrs | Views
The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has registered its concern over the way that magistrates are handling the cases relating to accused persons who were arrested for allegedly participating in the January 14 violent protests.
In a statement LSZ said:
We have condemned the excessive use of force by members of the security services in our statement issued on the 19th of January 2019.It appears no lessons were learnt from the Motlanthe Commission report.
It would appear that no one is paying attention to the adage that says Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done.
Irregular and illegal pre-trial processes and court processes appear to be collusively used to deny accused persons access to justice.
The following instances of apparent injustice being done to accused persons have been brought to our attention:
• Mass trials
• Fast tracked trials
• Routine denial of bail
• Routine denial of preliminary applications
• Refusal of access to medical treatment and;
• Trial and detention of juveniles.
We have also received reports of abduction of persons and or their close relatives ,assault, torture and denial of access to lawyers.
The LSZ is alarmed by these apparent acts of injustice happening at the courts' doorsteps and within the courts sought audience with the Chief Justice in his capacity as the Head of the Judiciary Services Commission.
He appreciated the concerns form the profession but said he was constrained in intervening without interfering with the independence of the judiciary officers.
The situation remains concerning and members are encouraged to fully document the blatant disregard to the established practice.
This information will help your society in its intervention roles
LSZ Membership is drawn from all registered legal practitioners residing in Zimbabwe whether in private practice, in commerce or in civil service
In a statement LSZ said:
We have condemned the excessive use of force by members of the security services in our statement issued on the 19th of January 2019.It appears no lessons were learnt from the Motlanthe Commission report.
It would appear that no one is paying attention to the adage that says Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done.
Irregular and illegal pre-trial processes and court processes appear to be collusively used to deny accused persons access to justice.
The following instances of apparent injustice being done to accused persons have been brought to our attention:
• Mass trials
• Fast tracked trials
• Routine denial of bail
• Routine denial of preliminary applications
• Refusal of access to medical treatment and;
• Trial and detention of juveniles.
The LSZ is alarmed by these apparent acts of injustice happening at the courts' doorsteps and within the courts sought audience with the Chief Justice in his capacity as the Head of the Judiciary Services Commission.
He appreciated the concerns form the profession but said he was constrained in intervening without interfering with the independence of the judiciary officers.
The situation remains concerning and members are encouraged to fully document the blatant disregard to the established practice.
This information will help your society in its intervention roles
LSZ Membership is drawn from all registered legal practitioners residing in Zimbabwe whether in private practice, in commerce or in civil service
Source - Byo24News
