Publication Archives | Page 39 of 153 | International Commission of Jurists

Attacks on Justice 2005: Cuba

Jul 11, 2008

In Cuba, the judiciary continues to suffer from a noticeable lack of independence, particularly when dealing with political crimes or crimes related to the security of the State.

Attacks on Justice 2005: South Africa

Jul 11, 2008

In South Africa, issues of the gender and racial composition of the judiciary, as well as allegations of racism within the judiciary, have come to the fore towards the end of 2004.

Attacks on Justice 2005: Venezuela

Jul 11, 2008

The country’s political polarization has not spared the judiciary. Both sides frequently criticize judges for their alleged partiality.

Attacks on Justice 2005: Palestine

Jul 11, 2008

In Palestine, the Basic Law was enacted in May 2002 and amended in March 2003 to ensure separation of powers and judicial independence.

Attacks on Justice 2005: Belarus

Jul 11, 2008

Belarus has become increasingly isolated from the international community in recent years due to President Lukashenko’s de facto dictatorship.

The Parliamentary elections and constitutional referendum held in October 2004 fell significantly short of international democratic norms. The government continued to crack down on those opposing the existing regime.

In November 2002, most European Union member states declared President Lukashenko persona non grata. The UN and the Council of Europe issued resolutions in 2003 and 2004 on the forced disappearances of Belarusian opposition leaders.

The many political trials throw doubts on the judiciary’s independence. Executive interference threatens judges’ security of tenure by exerting political and economic pressures. Lawyers are constrained by the licence system controlled by the executive and those defending human rights are harassed and persecuted.

In 2003, 51 case courts ruled to close down local non-governmental organizations.

Belarus-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publications-2008 (full text, PDF)