By Korboi K Gbelewala LINA Lofa County Correspondent

VOINJAMA, Aug 15 (LINA) – The Resident Judge at the 10^th Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama City, Lofa County, Nancy Finda Sammy, has called on Judicial Actors under her directive to upholds the highest standards of professionalism and exercise fairness in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking recently at the formal opening of the August A.D. 2024 Term of Court at the 10^th Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama City, Lofa County, Judge Sammy underscored the importance of neutrality in delivering justice that is free, fair and transparent.

Judge Sammy, however, reminded citizens and residents of Lofa County that Judicial Independence and probation services are crucial to the effective functioning of the Judiciary and justice system of the country.

The Resident Judge stressed that judicial and justice actors must work closely with probation officers and operate free without being influenced by external actors of other branches of government and local leaders.

Speaking further, Judge Sammy elaborated that judicial independence ensures that judges can make decisions based on evidence and relevant laws without facing external pressures, threats or intimidation.

She warned that any compromise in judicial independence could adversely affect the good image and integrity of the judiciary and undermines the justice system of the County and Liberia at large.

Judge Sammy’s remarks come in the wake of increasing concerns from the public about overcrowding of Voinjama Central Prison.

Statistics showed that more than 170 inmates are currently placed behind bars at the Voinjama Central Prison.

She then called on the government, through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to prioritize probation services to guide and rehabilitate offenders so that they can be reintegrated into society, thus helping to reduce overcrowding of prisons and other detention facilities.

Judge Sammy further pointed out that potential escalating threats, harassments and intimidations against the judiciary pose potential danger to the judiciary and justice system of the County and Liberia at large. 

Meanwhile, Judge Sammy further criticized the undue influence of judicial decisions by external and internal forces which leads to injustices within the judiciary, where some magistrates allegedly prioritize financial incentives over the proper dispensations of justice, an accusation that has sparked controversy, amongst judicial and justice actors in the county.

Judge Sammy further suggested that such practice damages the good reputation of the judiciary and undermines public trust.