Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has formed a committee to investigate claims made by the Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances, that the Criminal Court was unreliable as a result of gang influence.
The commission's president, Husnu al-Suood, had proclaimed at a press conference on December 31, that gangs had influence over the Criminal Court to the point that they had a hand in appointing judges. He also accused judges of collaborating with gangs to cover up murder investigations, and to ensure that certain individuals were not convicted or sentenced.
In a statement released Tuesday, JSC announced the formation of a special committee to look into Suood's claims. The statement stressed that it was JSC's legal mandate to investigate complaints regarding the judiciary and to take necessary action.
JSC further expressed concern over Suood's decision to make claims to the media, regarding issues that could taint the image of the judiciary, without informing the commission first. JSC urged to refrain from spreading possible misinformation that could comprise the public's perception of judges appointed to the courts.
The Supreme Court has also launched an investigation into Suood's claims of gang influence in the Criminal Court.
However, the lower court has refuted the accusations as an attempt to stir public unrest, and warned that Suood's remarks constituted contempt of court.
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