A ROBUST justice system can prevent corruption and protect the government and the rights of citizens.
In his keynote speech at the launch of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) at the Justice grounds in Honiara last Friday, Vice Chairman of Transparency Solomon Rodney Kingmele underscored that the justice system plays a vital role in protecting the rights of people.
“The justice system plays a vital role in interpreting and enforcing anti-corruption legislations, protecting the rights of citizens and guaranteeing the rule of law,” he said.
Mr Kingmele said it is timely and essential that the spotlight is placed on justice.
He said the government and citizens of this country must do everything to ensure that the integrity of the justice system is strengthened and opportunities for corruption amongst those who work in the justice sector are eliminated and that the independence of the judiciary is maintained.
Mr Kingmele underscored that a justice system that is weak cannot seal itself against external pressures to uphold the law and ensure the law is applied equally to all.
He added that if the justice system is weak, corrupt people will get away with crimes.
“Corruption can also restrict action to justice or make it more expensive for ordinary people to get access to justice.
“The most vulnerable people often suffer the most from corruption when they seek justice.
“Think about a villager who wants to take action lawfully against loggers who trespass onto a customary land only to get arrested because the loggers have bribed police officers to do so,” he stated.
TSI is continuing its fight against corruption in the country.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
