Rédaction Africa Links 24 with angonoticias.com
Published on 2024-03-04 21:28:22
Magistrates of the Public Ministry demand better salaries and working conditions. They also criticize the removal of benefits such as diplomatic passports. It is a national strike, which will last until March 8th.
The magistrates of the Public Ministry say that their professional dignity is being compromised and ask the competent authorities for urgent measures.
The president of the Union of Magistrates of the Public Ministry (SNMMP), Adelino Fançony André, emphasizes that, despite the strike, the monitoring of cells and places of detention, the referral of defendants in need of medical intervention, and the handling of cases involving minors accused of crimes are guaranteed.
“This first phase will consist of the cessation of all functions of the magistrates of the Public Ministry, except regarding the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of the defendants, as well as defendants in vulnerable situations,” says Fançony André.
The SNMMP revealed that a large number of magistrates have joined the strike. A source from the Association of Judges of Angola confirmed to the Lusa news agency that there were hearings being rescheduled. The association said it stands in solidarity with the struggle of the magistrates of the Public Ministry.
Prosecutor Adelino Fançony André mentioned that if there are no advances in negotiations with the authorities, the strike will be total. “There is the possibility of completely stopping the exercise of functions, but there is also the possibility of carrying out protests, all with the sole purpose of rescuing the dignity of the magistrate that has been harmed every day.”
According to the Attorney General of Angola, Hélder Pitta Grós, the strike is illegal. “I do not yet have information on how the services are being carried out at the Attorney General’s Office, but it is certain that magistrates cannot go on strike.
Magistrates are not above the law. If they transgress, it is certain that we will have to act,” he explained. The concerns presented by the union not only affect the Public Ministry but also all organs of justice, Pitta Grós added: “The situation that the magistrates of the Public Ministry are experiencing is the same as that of judicial magistrates.”
Read the original article (Portuguese) on Angonoticias
