The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) has condemned attacks on the judiciary, judicial officers and female attorneys stemming from court cases related to Guyana’s March 2nd polls.
“[The] GAWL’s focus is premised on its motto “Women Supporting Justice and Equality” and not on political issues. However, we feel compelled to address these attacks which have not gone unnoticed,” it said in a statement issued on Friday, while noting that the attacks stem from recent matters related to the elections that have been adjudicated by the courts.
The GAWL reminded that these persons are carrying out their functions in accordance with the offices held and in execution of their professional duties. As a result, it said the making of disparaging remarks and attacks, personal or otherwise, have the potential for making these persons and offices become subject to ridicule, engender disdain and, also may cause a weakening of public confidence in the judicial system. “It has been observed that statements made were disingenuous, malicious and on occasions ethnically motivated. These statements have been published, uttered and communicated through various platforms, and have specifically targeted female attorneys-at-law and judicial officers in the due exercise of their duty,” it pointed out.
“The GAWL unreservedly denounces these attacks and asks that persons cease from peddling, broadcasting, transmitting or in any way disseminating such information that on the face of it bring the judiciary and legal officers into odium,” it added.
Guyana Elections Commission Chairperson Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh and her attorney Kim Kyte-Thomas, and judges, including Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, have been vilified by members of the public and political party supporters on social media.
During her decision on the Misenga Jones appeal, which challenged the elections recount, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry noted that judges strive to dispense justice under severe pressures and less than favourable conditions and that very often they make decisions which are not always popular. She described it as one of the “occupational hazards” with which they learn to live, “knowing we have decided fairly and in accordance with the law.”
The judge went on to say, “however, we hope – and I trust I speak for all members of the judiciary – that we do not have to carry the additional burden of political pressure from any quarter. We are here to dispense justice fairly and to hold the scales evenly.”
The judge reasoned, “If the law is on your side, regardless of the identity of the litigant, you will win. If the law and judicial precedent is [are] against you, you will lose.” The judge said that justice must never be tied to political considerations and affiliations, while noting that the independence of the judiciary must be maintained at all times.
The GAWL statement said that while there is free speech, such expressions must be within the parameters of the law and must not be unfounded or baseless. It added that the rule of law is the backbone of our society and by extension, those, who in the exercise of their duty try to maintain it, should at all times be respected.
The GAWL also said it is also mindful of reported verbal attacks on female police officers while in execution of their lawful duties. It condemned such occurrences and urged restraint and respect for police officers as they execute their lawful duties. Respect must at all times guide the interaction of citizens with all persons, including and especially those who are required to execute their designated and lawful functions, it added.
“The GAWL urges all persons to be prudent and respectful to the judiciary and judicial officers, and all other professionals who are functioning in the course of duty, when making statements, utterances or issuing words in the expression of their views and opinions,” it further noted.
