Despite constitutional guarantees of judicial independence, judges in Turkey are not truly free to decide matters before them impartially, in accordance with their assessment of the facts and their understanding of the law.
There have been several controversies over judicial appointments as the judiciary is faced with the challenge of developing itself to represent the modern South Africa. Calls were also made during the year to increase judicial accountability.
A parliamentary committee investigated allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the judiciary. A number of judges and prosecutors were denounced and the evidence collected was sent to the Public Prosecutor for the initiation of criminal investigations.
The presidential power regarding appointment and dismissal of judges is a serious threat to the impartiality of the judiciary. Furthermore, the lack of security of tenure for judges constitutes a serious deficiency in the Azeri system.
Tamil litigants and lawyers face serious language problems, particularly in Colombo: interpreters are not available, few judges can function in Tamil, publication of legislation and emergency regulations in Tamil is not up to date and law reports and text books are not available in Tamil.
Libya: Authorities must promptly implement the Structured Dialogue’s human rights recommendations
Nepal: Government actions threaten judicial independence
ICJ Convenes Latin America Consultation to Strengthen Non-Criminal Justice Pathways for Redress
India: New foreign funding rules tighten control over civil society and undermine the right to freedom of association