Judges fail to show up in Ambon

Judges fail to show up in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: At least four judges assigned three months ago
to the Ambon District Court by Minister of Justice and Human
Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra have failed to show up, possibly
because of security reasons, a judge said.

Head of Ambon District Court Th. Pudjiwahono expressed concern
over the absence of four judges as they were needed to help
handle the many cases awaiting trial in the Maluku provincial
capital.

"Security problems are always a classic reason for the judges
to refuse to be assigned in Ambon even though the security
condition here is getting better now," said Pudjiwahono.

He said that all judges had pledged they were ready to be
placed anywhere in the country.

He said that he would seek clarification from the justice and
human rights minister about the judges who could not fill their
assignation.

Pudjiwahono said early this year, seven other judges who were
also assigned to Ambon, did not show up because of similar
reasons.

Pudjiwahono said the court had to delay the trials of many
cases as there were only three judges, including himself, at the
Ambon District Court. He added that about 100 cases in the Ambon
District Court were awaiting trial. -- Antara