Lawmakers urge expedited court hearings

ZANZIBAR: MEMBERS of the Zanzibar House of Representatives have urged the government to implement measures that will speed up case hearings in the courts.

Backbenchers Dr Mohamed Ali Suleiman (Mtambwe constituency) and Mr Ameir Abdalla Ameir (Mwanakwerekwe) expressed their concerns about the lengthy duration of some cases, which frustrates individuals seeking justice.

In response, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service, and Good Governance), Mr. Haroun Ali Suleiman, said that there has been significant improvement in case handling.

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He highlighted ongoing reforms in the judiciary, including the increase in staff (magistrates and judges), capacity-building initiatives, and the implementation of Chief Justice Circular No. 1 of 2018 and Chief Justice Circular No. 1 of 2024, which have contributed to faster case processing.

He also mentioned that a customer satisfaction survey is underway to better understand the current situation.