Somalia: Puntland Parliament sacks high court judges
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- Posted On 20-07-2016, 10:43PM
GAROWE, Somalia-Top judges at Puntland’s High Court have lost majority in parliament in a major blow to President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.
Puntland President tried to extend the mandate of court’s Chief Judge, his deputy and three members by four months, however the MPs repealed the presidential decree in an overwhelming vote.
The term of the judicial officials who needed the backing of at least 35 MPs for a simple majority to continue with the Supreme Court will come to an end on July 22.
Nearly 20—falling some 15 votes short--lawmakers endorsed the decree in an outcome that will be sending all judges at the high court packing.
Chief Judge Abdulkadir Sheikh Ahmed—brother of Finance Minister— secured a controversial seven-month term extension previously.
The lawmakers’ move comes amid debates regarding the effectiveness of parliament and independence of judiciary.
GAROWEONLINE
