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