Judges cautioned against corruption

KIGALI - Judges and court employees, including clerks, were advised to resist any forms of corruption and maintain high levels of professionalism, if they are to maintain integrity in their work.

Monday, February 14, 2011

KIGALI - Judges and court employees, including clerks, were advised to resist any forms of corruption and maintain high levels of professionalism, if they are to maintain integrity in their work.

Edgar Hodari,  the Rubavu Intermediate Court president, whose jurisdiction covers Nyabihu and Ngororero districts, made the appeal during the closing of the anti corruption campaign week.

He urged those who are offered bribes to influence cases to always report the incidences as part of efforts to eliminate the vice.

Hodari, encouraged the residents to get familiar with their rights , saying that some corrupt judges and lawyers take advantage of their ignorance to extort money.

"The government has put up the justice system to provide fair justice to the citizens and paying for this justice through corrupt officials contravenes this principle,” he said.

Anastase Bakuzakunde, the president of Musanze High Court, noted that there could be corrupt judges, in the courtrooms but they will soon be identified and kicked out.

"All the service providers in the justice sector should know the code of ethics in their profession and giving or receiving a bribe is intolerable,” Bakuzakunde said.

The Anti corruption is carried out internationally in December, but Rwanda decided to hold it in February because most of the judges are on holiday at the end of the year.

Ends