Mozambique’s Judiciary Pushes for Financial Independence Law to Address Systemic Issues
Judicial magistrates and the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Mozambique are set to propose a law aimed at securing financial independence for courts, aiming to resolve multiple issues within the judicial class. This proposal, supported by AMJ, seeks to tackle matters including wages and security. Additionally, recent trends indicate a reduction in corruption cases among judges, and there is a call for peaceful conduct during demonstrations.
In the upcoming days, judicial magistrates and officials from the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Mozambique will propose a new law aimed at ensuring financial independence for the courts. This initiative seeks to address various issues affecting the judicial system, as announced by Esmeraldo Matavele, president of the Mozambican Association of Judges (AMJ). A dedicated committee is currently finalizing the proposal for submission to the government, which may present it to Parliament for consideration.
Matavele expressed optimism that the legislation could resolve approximately 90 percent of existing challenges within the judicial class, including matters related to salaries, security, medical assistance, transportation, and housing. Meanwhile, he noted that judges are anticipating government action on specific adjustments pertaining to the Single Salary Table (TSU) classification.
Despite the pending proposal, Matavele reported a positive trend regarding corruption within the judiciary. Historically, an average of two to three judges faced expulsion annually until 2022; however, no magistrates have been removed on corruption charges in 2023, nor are there ongoing disciplinary processes for similar allegations. He attributed this change to judges’ awareness and adherence to integrity, particularly avoiding misuse of court funds for personal purposes.
In his address, Matavele also highlighted concerns about the police’s heavy-handed response to protests, which he claims have led to fatalities. He criticized the nature of recent demonstrations and urged that they be conducted within the framework of law. Furthermore, he appealed for restraint from both law enforcement and citizens to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful, without vandalism or obstruction of public roads.
In summary, the proposed law on financial independence for Mozambique’s courts represents a significant step towards mitigating the persistent challenges faced by judicial officials. Alongside improvements in governance, a decline in corruption within the judiciary offers a hopeful outlook. Moreover, promoting lawful and peaceful demonstrations will contribute to the overall stability and integrity of the country’s judicial landscape.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
