Le Conseil de l’Ordre des avocats du Sénégal has alerted this Monday on the paralysis of the public service of justice, direct consequence of the strike of the workers of justice initiated since the 18 June last. In a communiqué sent to Kewoulo, l’Ordre underlines that this movement seriously disturbs the rights of the justiciables and affects many sectors. It refers in particular to the prolongation of preventive detention, prison overcrowding, the infringement of the right to a fair trial and the economic consequences of the strike. Despite the steps taken to facilitate an exit from the crisis, the Bar regrets the lack of concrete results to date. It recalls that although the right to strike is guaranteed by the Constitution, it must be reconciled with the continuity of the public service and equitable access to justice. The Conseil de l’Ordre appeals to the sense of responsibility of all actors and reiterates its willingness to contribute to the restoration of the normal functioning of justice. In addition, a 48-hour truce was announced by the SYTJUST and UNTJ unions to allow the opening of discussions with the Ministry of Custody, while the Garde des Sceaux, Ousmane Diagne, had already instructed the chefs de juridictions de réquisitionner the personnel necessary to ensure the minimum service.
Strike in justice: the Bar of Senegal denounces a worrying paralysis
