TISL calls for drastic action in the attack on judiciary

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) strongly condemns the action by a Cabinet Minister in telephoning and threatening a Magistrate to change a judgement and the subsequent stoning and severely damaging the judicial premises by a group of people.

TISL requests the President to hold a complete inquiry and take drastic action against the parties concerned.

While stressing that the action by the Minister in continuously intimidating the Magistrate even after he explained that the procedure to change a judicial decision is by appealing to a higher court, clearly demonstrates the level to which the rule of law in the country has deteriorated, TISL reiterates that it is the responsibility of the executive to preserve the independence of the Judiciary and restore public confidence.

TISL categorically states that in the context of good governance, the judiciary should not be intimidated in any way by the legislature or the executive and appeals to the intellectuals, legal professionals and all citizens who value good governance to join together and protest against these kind of irresponsible actions.