Aug 27, 2002
Human rights defenders and political opponents throughout Togo were said to have come under constant harassment. Lawyers have difficulties in the exercise of their profession, notably when assisting detainees en garde à vue.
Security guards frequently prevent lawyers from meeting with their clients. The International Inquiry Commission on Togo concluded in its 2001 report that hundreds of people were extrajudicially executed throughout 1998.
Attacks on justice 2002-Togo-publications-2002 (full text, PDF)
Aug 27, 2002
Ivory Coast has experienced unprecedented social and political unrest during the preceding three years, which has had a devastating effect on its stability.
Groups of military personnel have set up a parallel system of justice, arresting suspected offenders, harassing lawyers and judges, and threatening journalists.
Attacks on justice 2002-Cote dIvoire-publications-2002 (full text, PDF)
Aug 27, 2002
Chad has been in a state of near constant internal conflict for the past 30 years. The Government’s human rights record remains poor and impunity with respect to serious human rights violations is widespread.
President Déby has intervened inappropriately in cases before the judiciary. For the first time in the country’s history, a Supreme Court and a Constitutional Council were officially functional.
Attacks on justice 2002-Chad-publications-2002 (full text, PDF)
Aug 27, 2002
Zimbabwe was in deep political and economic crisis following the onset of a violent campaign in 2000 led by “war veterans” to crush the political opposition and seize commercial farms.
Aug 27, 2002
Despite moves by officials to interfere with the judiciary in politically related cases, the country’s judges and lawyers generally strive to remain independent.
