VOINJAMA, Lofa − Judge Blamo Dixon of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama has called for the speedy appointment of a judge for the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence court.
The SGBV Court, also known as Criminal Court E, is a specialized court established for the adjudication of SGBV cases, including rape, aggravated involuntary sodomy, involuntary and voluntary sodomy, and corruption of minors.
Speaking recently at the official opening of the May term of court in Voinjama, Judge Dixon revealed that there are 32 cases on the trial docket, 16 civil cases and 16 criminal cases, 5 of which are rape cases.
He said the president’s appointment of the judge for the specialized court for rape and other related cases will enable the speedy adjudication of cases under the jurisdiction of the specialized court and reduce the workload of the main circuit court.
He also called for a review of the salary harmonization policy the past administration used to reduce judges’ salaries.
“The harmonization exercise was unconstitutional as it relates to judges’ salaries because Article 72(a) of the 1986 constitution prohibits the reduction of judges’ salaries,” he said.
According to him, for 54 months, the government cut each judge US$911.34 monthly, amounting to a total of US$49,212.36 up to April 2024.
Lofa’s county superintendent, J. Lavala Massaquoi, agreed with Judge Dixon on the salary harmonization policy effected by the past administration, noting that the exercise similarly affected those who served in local administration.
Massaquoi said the decision has continued to affect local officials.
“Howbeit we are on top of the issues and also hopeful that the necessary adjustments will be made, in order to promote efficiency among the workforce,” he said.
He affirmed his office’s commitment to working with the judiciary in the spirit of good governance.
Lofa County Attorney, Cllr. Luther J. Sumo (standing) makes a special statement as Judge Dixon attentively listens. Photo by Kelvin Kollie.
At the same time, Lofa County Attorney Cllr. Luther J. Sumo called on judges to adjudicate cases fairly, to give justice to all parties, and to build hope for victims of crimes and abuses.
“We believe in the justice system of our country, and as such, perpetrators who commit crimes should face the full weight of the law, and there is a need that the government intervene and review the salary harmonization of Judges,” Sumo said.
Featured photo by Kelvin Kollie
