Attacks on Justice 2002: Israel

Aug 27, 2002

The basic laws of Israel guarantee the independence of the judiciary, which is generally respected by the legislative and executive powers.

The September 1999 landmark judgement of the High Court barring the use of torture and the April 2000 ruling prohibiting the holding of detainees for use as “bargaining chips” demonstrated that the judiciary would maintain independence even in certain sensitive cases relating to national security. The overall human rights situation vis-à-vis the Palestinian population under the jurisdiction or control of Israel deteriorated markedly. Following the outbreak of violence in late September 2000, Israeli security forces made repeated and sustained incursions into Palestinian territory, engaging in widespread and gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

Attacks on justice 2002-Israel-publications-2002 (full text, PDF)

Attacks on Justice 2002: Bahrain

Aug 27, 2002

With his accession to power as Amir in March 1999, Sheikh Hamad began an unprecedented process of political reform.

Attacks on Justice 2002: Algeria

Aug 27, 2002

Judges and public prosecutors are not fully independent. Political manipulation over the judiciary remains a principal concern. The judicial system does not provide for fair trials. Lawyers suffer continuous harassment by the executive.

Attacks on Justice 2002: Iran

Aug 27, 2002

The judiciary in Iran remained heavily under the influence of executive and religious government authorities. The functioning of Islamic Revolutionary Courts severely undermined judicial authority in the country.

Attacks on Justice 2002: Palestine

Aug 27, 2002

The Palestinian judiciary is largely under-resourced and subject to frequent political attacks and executive pressure. Judges are overworked and underpaid.