Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has voiced its strong support for magistrates who recently decided to suspend court sittings following the withdrawal of their police orderlies. The decision, which highlights concerns about safety and operational efficiency, has drawn attention to the precarious working conditions faced by judicial officers.
In a statement shared with The Standard, the GBA underscored the critical role police orderlies play in ensuring the security of magistrates and maintaining a secure courtroom environment. The absence of such protection, they argued, undermines the magistrates’ ability to perform their duties effectively.
“We fully support the decision of the magistrates not to sit in court until such time that their security is guaranteed,” the statement read.
The GBA further called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate the police orderlies assigned to the magistrates or establish alternative arrangements to safeguard their security. The association emphasized that failing to address these concerns could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
“We remain committed to promoting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the rule of law,” the GBA declared, adding that the safety and security of magistrates as judicial officers are non-negotiable and must remain a priority.
The association referenced Chapter 8, Section 120 (4) of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, which mandates the government and its agencies to provide necessary assistance to the courts to preserve their independence, dignity, and effectiveness.
Highlighting the indispensable role of police orderlies, the GBA noted that their presence ensures a secure environment conducive for magistrates to preside over cases impartially. Without such security, magistrates are left vulnerable to potential threats and intimidation, compromising their ability to deliver justice effectively.
The GBA’s statement has amplified calls for the swift resolution of the issue to protect judicial independence and the rule of law in The Gambia.
