Just deserts: ‘Rotten’ judges face sack in bid to clean up justice system

The Minister of Justice, in an absolute assertion yesterday, introduced that he’ll order the dismissal of any judges who’re concerned in corruption or misconduct in a bid to reform the judicial system in Cambodia and for the Kingdom’s rule of regulation to regain the general public’s belief.

Talking on the opening of the annual convention of the Ministry of Justice yesterday, Minister Keut Rith stated that the general public typically holds a adverse view in direction of the justice system in Cambodia.

“The general public opinion by no means displays on the accomplishments that the federal government has achieved within the judicial sector,” he stated. “When an act of injustice has occurred because of the negligence or intention of a person working within the judicial system, it impacts the complete system.”

Addressing over 700 judges attending the ministerial convention, Rith stated they’re dealing with an pressing want to revive the repute of the nation’s administration of justice.

“To do it, there must be unity within the targets and motion, as we’re heading ahead collectively on the similar tempo,” he stated. “The motion is to offer nice judicial providers. The aim is to have individuals belief our court docket and justice system.”

Rith added that the principle goal is to make judges the “spine” for the individuals who have suffered from the injustices in society, and the method to realize that requires eliminating the “dangerous apples,” which he described as a “curse” to the complete system.

“When one of many fish in a basket is rotten, you must discard it, or the entire basket will stink,” Rith stated metaphorically. “Our technique may be very easy; we’ve to enhance the disciplines.”

“By bettering the disciplines, it means taking out the ‘rotten fish’. Nonetheless, we at the moment are giving them an opportunity to right themselves; but, if they continue to be unchanged, they are going to be dismissed.”

Rith additionally expressed his reward for the Disciplinary Committee of the Ministry of Justice for his or her efficient implementation of penalisation agaist judges who have interaction in misconduct, together with wage cuts and job suspensions.

“I want to make clear that if their errors are too extreme, they should be fired,” he added. “Please don’t be afraid to take action.”

Each Kim Santepheap and Chin Malin, the 2 spokesmen of the Ministry of Justice, refused to touch upon the problem and as a substitute requested a reporter to attend for a press assertion to be launched by the Ministry at the moment.

In the meantime, it’s clear that Cambodia’s justice system wants pressing reform. In line with the World Justice Undertaking (WJP) Rule of Legislation Index, which depends on greater than 149,000 family surveys and three,400 authorized practitioner and skilled surveys to measure how the rule of regulation is skilled and perceived worldwide, Cambodia is ranked 141 out of 142 protection international locations, with an general rating of 0.31, in 2023. This places the Kingdom simply above Venezuela.

In terms of the Civil Justice Index, which measures whether or not strange individuals can resolve their grievances peacefully and successfully by means of the civil justice system, the WJP report put Cambodia in final place among the many 142 nations, with a mean rating of 0.25. The nation does only a bit higher within the space of the Felony Justice Index, standing at 134, greater than solely Myanmar in Southeast Asia.

Authorized skilled Sok Sam Oeun stated yesterday that nothing a lot could be implied from the assertion made by the Justice Minister, who’s a member of the Supreme Magistracy Council.

“Nonetheless, it’s a assertion given by an influential member of the Supreme Magistracy Council,” he stated. “I hope that each one issues shall be determined by the laws. Additionally, judges are additionally residents, and so they have the correct to have themselves protected in court docket.”

Am Sam Ath, operations director of human rights group Licadho, stated authorized actions in opposition to judges who’re concerned in corruption or misconduct are essential if Cambodia needs to regain the general public’s belief in its judicial system, which for lengthy has been criticised by the individuals, human rights organisations, and civil society.

“Taking such motion will result in enchancment of judges and prosecutors who’re inactive or do something in opposition to the regulation that undermines public confidence. If any measures are taken, there shall be applause, and the case shall be an instance for others,” he stated.

In the meantime, Pich Pisey, the chief director of Transparency Worldwide Cambodia, expressed his assist for the Justice Minister’s comment. He careworn the residents’ need for a dependable justice system in Cambodia, accessible to all, and highlighted the need for judicial reform.

“In line with main worldwide stories, Cambodia nonetheless has a weak rule of regulation, the judiciary has not been in a position to assure justice for the individuals, and corruption is rampant,” he added.

Whereas acknowledging the optimistic intent behind the Minister’s assertion, Pisey underscored the significance of its efficient implementation to make sure individuals’s entry to justice. He added that regardless of some enhancements, worldwide stories nonetheless point out weaknesses in Cambodia’s rule of regulation, with the judiciary falling brief in delivering justice and corruption remaining prevalent.

“Residents wish to see Cambodia have a justice system that strange individuals can depend on by guaranteeing the justice system, and Cambodia wants judicial reform,” he stated.