A Tanzanian Judge sworn in as international reserve judge in Cambodia

Today a Tanzanian Judge Steven Bwana sworn in as an internal reserve judge in the Pre-Trial Chamber of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) Via video link between Phnom Penh and Dar es Salaam.

Judge Bwana gave the following oath to Mr. Knut Rosandhaug, the Coordinator for United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials: 

“I solemnly declare that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers as a judge of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed During the Period of Democratic Kampuchea honourably, faithfully, impartially and conscientiously and that I will not seek or accept instructions in regard to the performance of those duties or the exercise of those powers from any Government or from any other source,” 

Following the nomination by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-mooon, and the approval by the Supreme Council of the Magistracy, His Majesty King NorodomSihamoni in 2012 appointed Judge Bwana as new international reserve judge to serve in the ECCC Pre-Trial Chamber.

Judge Bwana took the oath today as he has been called upon the Pre-Trial Chamber to participate in the deliberation of a motion pending before the chamber.

The ECCC is a special Cambodian court which receives international assistance, through the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials. 

Under the terms of Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Extraordinary Chambers will bring to trial senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodia penal law, international humanitarian law and custom and international conventions recognized by Cambodia, that were committed during the period from 17 April 1975 to 6 January 1979.

Speaking to reporters in a brief news conference, after he sworn in Judge Bwana said that is working station will be in Dar es Salaam and Cambodia but it will depend on the kinds of cases from time to time.

He said that in order to protect the African continent and the good moral leaders the region should not try to withdrawal its membership to the International Criminal Court (ICC), The Hague for the purpose of protecting human rights and enhance good governance and democracy.

“I think leaders of 54 African countries should reject the move that initiate the continent to withdrawal its membership to the IC,” he said.

Judge Bwana underscored that if the African countries will withdrawal its membership to ICC it will hinder the struggle in building strong democracy, good governance and the respect to human rights convention.

Ends.