Long-awaited draft law limits King’s powers over judiciary
The long-awaited draft law on the Supreme Council of Magistracy continues the practice of secret votes and gives Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana key powers, according to excerpts from the document, but it would reduce the position of King Norodom Sihamoni if passed in its current form. The 39-article draft Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Supreme Council of Magistracy provides extensive powers for the seven-member council—headed by the King—to appoint and remove judges and prosecutors from positions within the judiciary. However, Sok Sam Oeun, executive director of the legal aid NGO Cambodian Defenders’ Project, said after reading the excerpts that it appears that attempts are being made to limit the King’s judicial role, while the justice minister has been given more power, including the right to convene a meeting of the Council. … Article 11, which refers to the practice already applied since 1994, states that: “The decision of the Supreme Council of Magistracy is considered as official as long as there are at least seven voices approved through a secret vote.” “His Majesty, the President of the Supreme Council of Magistracy, doesn’t take part in the decision-making of the Supreme Council of Magistracy,” the article adds. …
Hul Reaksmey and Lauren Crothers
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/long-awaited-draft-law-limits-kings-powers-over-judiciary-54419/
