Guinea's Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Youssouf KEITA, has warned that slow justice can lead citizens to take matters into their own hands. During a visit to Kankan, the Garde des Sceaux emphasized the importance of accessible and efficient justice. He stated that when justice is functioning properly, other sectors follow suit. The minister's visit aimed to address issues of slow justice and lack of access to judicial decisions.
The minister highlighted the significance of listening to citizens who turn to the justice system as a last resort. He explained that when someone approaches the justice system, it is often after exhausting all other avenues. Therefore, it is crucial that their concerns are examined and treated with consideration. Even if a citizen loses their case, they should feel that their issue was heard and addressed.
Minister KEITA particularly denounced delays in processing cases and making decisions available. He warned that leaving citizens waiting for months or years without a judicial response can fuel frustration and lead them to consider private justice. The minister stressed that justice is rendered in the name of the people of Guinea, not for the judges themselves.
The minister also criticized the delay in writing decisions and providing copies to concerned parties. He lamented that citizens are often forced to chase decisions that have already been rendered. The minister emphasized that the judicial process does not end with the pronouncement of a judgment; it also involves ensuring that decisions are available and executed.
Minister KEITA announced that he will sanction those who fail to meet their obligations, including delays in rendering decisions. He called on judicial officials to ensure that decisions are available and executed. The minister also emphasized the importance of respecting procedural requirements for writing civil and penal decisions.
In particular, the minister stated that penal decisions should be ready within three days, expressing disappointment at observed delays in some jurisdictions. He urged judicial officials to distinguish between cases that require more time due to specific constraints and those that can be processed more quickly.
The minister's message in Kankan emphasizes several requirements, including listening to citizens, accelerating case processing, making decisions accessible, and ensuring their execution. The goal is to strengthen trust in the judicial institution and prevent situations that may lead to private justice.
Key points
- The minister warned of consequences for slow justice, including citizens taking matters into their own hands.
- He emphasized the importance of listening to citizens and making judicial decisions accessible.
- The minister announced sanctions for officials who fail to meet their obligations.
