Serious concerns have been raised by the President of the Fiji Court of Appeal, Justice William Calanchini in relation to Legal Aid Commission lawyers not following the directive of the court and taking lengthy periods to file information.
Justice Calanchini raised this issue today in three matters where the appellants have been waiting for a long time for their cases to proceed.
It was highlighted in the Fiji Court of Appeal sitting today that an appellant has been waiting for two years as his lawyer had overlooked the file and did not file information in court.
One of the Legal Aid Commission lawyers apologised to the court for the delays from their side.
Justice William Calanchini then told the lawyer that they should apologize to the appellants as they have been waiting in prison for a long time.
Justice Calanchini also told one of the Legal Aid Commission lawyers today to get more lawyers if they have a shortage of lawyers.
He also told the Legal Aid Commission lawyers to have a chat with all the appellants in prison once a month to get an update from them.
Justice Calanchini raised this after an appellant who is a serving prisoner raised in court today that it is really difficult for him to make contact with his lawyer.
We have sent questions to the Acting Director of the Legal Aid Commission Shahin Ali in relation to the issues highlighted by Justice Calanchini and a response is expected soon.
