Corrupt judges scare investors - Meyke

COMMENT - And corrupt investors 'scare' everyone.

Corrupt judges scare investors - Meyke
By Henry Sinyangwe
Wed 23 May 2012, 13:40 CAT

A country that has judges perceived to be corruptible scares away genuine investors, says German Ambassador to Zambia Frank Meyke. Commenting on the current calls for judicial reforms in the country, Ambassador Meyke said there is need to restore confidence in the country's Judiciary.

He said the outcome of the tribunal set up to probe the conduct of suspended Supreme Court judge Phillip Musonda and high court judges Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga, was important for the country's image concerning the Judiciary, both within and outside the country.

"The recent case of the suspension of the three judges shows that the context of the case is a chance for Zambia to gain more confidence with foreign investors regarding independence of the Judiciary, incorruptible judges and due process of the law," Ambassador Meyke said.

He said it was important to remind each other that the fight against corruption would only be successful if the due process of the law was upheld.

Ambassador Meyke said it is important that judges avoid, in their conduct, any matter that could give a wrong impression to the outside world.

"The visit by the ICJ mission reminds us that such issues that you are addressing are of international concern. Incorruptible judges, due process of the law, independent Judiciary is of course an essential element of confidence of foreign investors. It is a criterion for confidence," he said.

And Ambassador Meyke said the meeting the opposition political party leaders had with the European Union was natural in improving checks and balances.

"In a way, the meeting with the foreign ambassadors with representatives of opposition political parties is natural in all our countries. We are supporting things to be set right in all sectors of governance," he said.

Ambassador Meyke also said the Euro Zone economic crisis would not affect Zambia's programmes being supported by his government.