EAC magistrates meet in Kigali

The Chief Justice, Prof. Sam Rugege has urged magistrates and judges from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda to uphold the rule of law and promote justice accessibility for the good of the people in the region. He said this today while opening a council meeting by the jurists who are in Kigali under the auspices of the East African Magistrates and Judges’ Association (EAMJA). The two-day meeting is being held with a special focus on plea bargaining and the interpretation of constitutional provisions of the member states, among others. “This is the right time to discuss constitutional issues. We have noticed that the Burundian constitutional court was recently put in a very difficult position, having to interpret the constitution on a very controversial and politically sensitive issue, but the decision was not enthusiastically received by all citizens. Sometimes we are exposed to such issues and we must be ready to confront them courageously when they come to our jurisdiction, said Rugege while opening the two-day meeting. He said that this is the opportune time to discuss such critical issues. EAMJA was established in March 2000 with a mandate to promote, enhance and protect the rule of law and accessibility to justice for all through the harmonization of the judicial systems in the region. Burundi is not yet a member of the association that currently boasts of a membership of over 400 judges and magistrates. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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EAC magistrates meet in Kigali