Law society condemns attacks against judiciary
Kavendjii urges public to be respectful
Recent weeks have seen widespread dissatisfaction from politicians and church leaders regarding the ruling as well as a nationwide anti-gay demonstration.
The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) has broken its silence on recent public attacks against the judiciary, specifically in response to a landmark Supreme Court ruling recognising same-sex marriages solemnised in foreign countries in terms of Namibia’s immigration laws.
The LSN said such attacks undermine the independence of the judiciary and must be condemned.
The society’s chairperson Clive Kavendjii stressed the importance of holding judges accountable and offering criticism when necessary, but emphasised the need for a respectful and constructive approach.
Recent weeks have seen widespread dissatisfaction from politicians and church leaders regarding the ruling as well as a nationwide anti-gay demonstration.
“When criticism of a judge’s ruling crosses the line into personal attacks or intimidation, public respect for our own system of justice is undermined, creating risk to our constitutional bedrock and the preservation of liberty,” Kavendjii said in a statement.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust and impartial judiciary, which is essential for upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of all Namibian citizens.
Responsible and informed
The society called for a responsible and informed approach to criticism, wherein any disagreements with judicial decisions are addressed through respectful dialogue and adherence to the established legal processes.
“The LSN urges all members of the public to be cautious, exercise prudence, pragmatism and show due respect for the judiciary when making public statements.
"Moreover, persons are urged to follow the right avenues to express their views in a manner that ensures harmony without interfering with the independence of the judiciary.”
The LSN said such attacks undermine the independence of the judiciary and must be condemned.
The society’s chairperson Clive Kavendjii stressed the importance of holding judges accountable and offering criticism when necessary, but emphasised the need for a respectful and constructive approach.
Recent weeks have seen widespread dissatisfaction from politicians and church leaders regarding the ruling as well as a nationwide anti-gay demonstration.
“When criticism of a judge’s ruling crosses the line into personal attacks or intimidation, public respect for our own system of justice is undermined, creating risk to our constitutional bedrock and the preservation of liberty,” Kavendjii said in a statement.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust and impartial judiciary, which is essential for upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of all Namibian citizens.
Responsible and informed
The society called for a responsible and informed approach to criticism, wherein any disagreements with judicial decisions are addressed through respectful dialogue and adherence to the established legal processes.
“The LSN urges all members of the public to be cautious, exercise prudence, pragmatism and show due respect for the judiciary when making public statements.
"Moreover, persons are urged to follow the right avenues to express their views in a manner that ensures harmony without interfering with the independence of the judiciary.”
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