Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> JURIST - The Paper Chase

Legal News

: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Fiji AG says ousted judges to be replaced next week

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Fijian Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said Friday that the government would name new judges to replace those discharged following the suspension of the country's constitution by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo two weeks ago. Speaking to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Khaiyum said that the Fiji government anticipates having judges appointed by next week, although the country's high court would likely remain closed for close to one month. Following the suspension of the constitution, Iloilo dismissed the judges and imposed restrictions on domestic and international media outlets. Iloilo also reappointed the head of the Fijian military Commodore Josaia Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama as prime minister, a move which was condemned by the UN and members of the Australian government, including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged Iloilo to reinstate the deposed judges. Earlier that week, members of Fiji's Law Society called for deposed judges to remain in office and resist the current military regime's attempts to oust them. Turmoil has built since the Court of Appeal of Fiji declared that the appointment of the military government following a 2006 coup d'etat that ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was unconstitutional. Concerns about the constitutional suspension have also been expressed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US State Department spokesperson Richard Aker, who said that it was a step backwards for the country, and called on Fiji to continue to recognize rights outlined in the suspended constitution.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on April 24, 2009 (boomark / email).