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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Aug 2010 : 21:42:24
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Foroyaa Editorial: The Price of Justice in the Rural Area 1260 dalasis to transport Witnesses
By Publisher
27-08-10
The Foroyaa reporter sat in a Court in the rural area to wait for the proceedings to start. One of the parties to the case came with 21 witnesses at a cost of 1260 dalasis as transport cost. The prosecution did not come with the file to Court and the case could not proceed. The next sitting is scheduled for 29 September 2010.They will have to spend 1260 dalasis again to come to Court.
This is the rainy season. Farmers have invested the bulk of their money on seeds, farming implements and fertilizer and are generally without money to spend on other things.
This is why village elders, Seyfos and Governors should be introduced to alternative dispute resolution principles so that they could help to solve rural disputes amicably and avoid expensive Court processes that could increase the poverty and hardship of rural dwellers.
Court cases require the prosecution to put its case by calling on witnesses to testify. Those witnesses would have to be cross examined by the defence. One could imagine how long it would take for the prosecution to finish its case and the defence to follow with its own submission of evidence. This could last for months.
It would therefore become more and more difficult to attend the cases. If the farmers get legal counsels they would have to pay thousands to enable them to drive to the provinces to attend court cases.
It is therefore clear that justice is too expensive for many members of the farming community. Hence alternative means to justice should be promoted to ensure accessibility and affordability.
Source: Foroyaa Online
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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