The administration of justice at the Kanifing Magistrate’s Court has ground to a functional halt as presiding Magistrate A. Manneh entered the second week of not sitting.
The decision was triggered by an attack on the administration of Justice. According to court sources, Magistrate Manneh was presiding over a case when disgruntled litigant launched an attack on her right inside her own courtroom while she was presiding over a case.
While the magistrate escaped without injury, she decided to stop all hearings under her until provided with a security guard.
Because the Magistrate is not sitting, everything has come to a standstill; people waiting for trial or bail are stuck in jail or legal limbo and lawsuits and disputes cannot be settled.
The legal fraternity has largely rallied behind Magistrate Manneh, citing the fundamental necessity of a secure environment for the rule of law to function.
A lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that if a Magistrate is afraid for their life, they cannot make fair decisions.
“A magistrate cannot be expected to deliver impartial justice while looking over their shoulder in fear of physical harm,” said one lawyer. “If the officers of the court are not safe, the law cannot work.”
Another lawyer said “The independence of the judiciary is inextricably linked to the safety of its officers.”
The legal community is now calling on the state to provide a security officer for the magistrate. While Magistrate A. Manneh stood on her ground that until a security is provided for her, her court doors will remain closed.
The police confirmed they are trying to get her a security guard, but they said there are still some administrative steps to follow
