Minister for Justice and Attorney General Kerenga Kua has urged all officers ofthe Courts to reject appearances by private lawyers who want to perform free legal aid.
Kua spoke in support of two judges who refused to entertain free legal aid by private law firms’, saying onlythe Office ofthe Public Solicitor is entitled to do that.
The minister said anybody can give pro bono or free legal aid, but on a one-off basis.
Free legal aid is only provided bythe Office ofthe Public Solicitor.
Minister Kerenga Kua also a lawyer by profession said comments made separately by Judge Elenas Betari and Judge George Manuhu on this issue recently were correct.
He said if private lawyers stand in for accused persons on behalf ofthe state on a daily basis it is unconstitutional.
He urged all members ofthe Judiciary and Magistracy to recognizethe principals of law and apply it in any ther cases.
The issue was also raised bythe Office ofthe Public Solicitor earlier.
Bernadette Efi, National EMTV News
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