Zimbabwe justice being destroyed, warns bar chief

The Zimbabwean justice system is being destroyed for political gain with lawyers and judges being physically assaulted and widespread corruption existing within the judiciary, the president of the Bar Council of England and Wales said this week.

Returning from a fact-finding trip with an international delegation of bar leaders, Stephen Irwin QC called on the South African government to step in and help after conducting a series of interviews with the Zimbabwean Attorney-General, judges and lawyers.

He said it was unacceptable that judges adjudicating over land redistribution disputes were themselves the beneficiaries of land allocation.

He added that as land was given 'at the sufferance' of government, it could be taken back at any time - extending the government's influence.

Mr Irwin revealed he had learned that judges and magistrates are being subjected to physical attacks and even paraded on the streets.

He expressed his admiration for lawyers who continue to work in the regime despite physical violence, being denied access to clients, pre-determined court outcomes, and a lack of enforcement of court orders.

He called on other African nations - particularly South Africa - to help alleviate the plight of Zimbabwe's justice system.

He said: 'South Africa had free and fair elections last week - shouldn't they be asking for the same standards in Zimbabwe? There is no reason why [South African President] Thabo Mbeki can't improve the situation if he wants to.

He is extremely strong within his own country.'

Mr Irwin added: 'It would be a mistake for this to be misrepresented as a dispute about land.

What is happening is the destruction of a once fine justice system - and it has every appearance of being a destruction in order to hold on to political power.'

The delegation also comprised Roy Martin, vice-dean of the faculty of advocates in Edinburgh; Conor Maguire SC, chairman of the Irish bar; Glenn Martin SC, chairman of the Queensland bar; and Justice Poswa SC of the South African Bar Council.

Rachel Rothwell