Mozambique’s Judicial Leaders Propose Law for Financial Independence of Courts

Judicial magistrates in Mozambique, led by AMJ president Esmeraldo Matavele, will propose a law for financial independence of the courts to resolve systemic issues. The law aims to address salaries, security, and support for judges. Notably, there has been a marked decline in judicial corruption, with no judges expelled for misconduct in 2023. Matavele emphasizes the need for orderly public demonstrations while criticizing police force.

In the near future, judicial magistrates along with the Public Prosecutor’s Office plan to propose a law aimed at establishing financial independence for the courts in Mozambique. This initiative is seen as a critical measure to address ongoing issues faced by the judiciary. Esmeraldo Matavele, the president of the Mozambican Association of Judges (AMJ), reported that a committee is actively working on refining the preliminary proposal which will be presented to the Government for potential submission to Parliament.

Matavele expressed optimism that the forthcoming law could resolve approximately 90 percent of the judiciary’s issues, including wages, security, medical and drug assistance, transportation, and housing provision. Until this proposal is formally moved forward, he indicated that the judges remain hopeful for the government to address immediate concerns regarding the classification within the Single Salary Table (TSU). This was shared during a recent discussion at the National Conference of Mozambican Judges.

In the context of corruption within the judiciary, Matavele highlighted a significant decline in judicial misconduct. He noted that historically, two to three judges faced expulsion annually due to corruption, yet from 2023 onwards, there have been no expulsions or ongoing disciplinary actions on such grounds. He emphasized that judges are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of integrity and refrain from misappropriating public funds.

Additionally, Matavele condemned the excessive force used by the Police during demonstrations, which he asserted has led to fatalities. He called for a balanced approach, urging both law enforcement and citizens to ensure that protests remain peaceful and organized, adhering to legal standards without resorting to violence or property damage.

In summary, the proposed law aimed at ensuring financial independence for the Mozambican judiciary represents a significant step toward addressing various systemic issues. With the judiciary hopeful for prompt governmental action on salary classifications and a notable reduction in corruption incidents, there appears to be potential for improvement within the judicial framework. Furthermore, maintaining order during public demonstrations remains a critical concern for ensuring civil rights while preserving public safety.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com

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