Magistrates across Liberia will begin a go-slow action tomorrow, February 18, to demand the restoration of their salaries, which were reduced under the 2018 harmonization policy of former President George M. Weah. While the government has reportedly settled with circuit court judges, compensating them with 24,000 USD each, the 259 magistrates across Liberia remain without compensation.
Our source spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealing that the magistrates have been advocating for their salaries to be restored since the policy affected them as well. They have now decided to stage the go-slow protest in an attempt to draw attention to their plight, which has persisted for a long period of time.
The go-slow action would have serious implications for Liberia’s justice system. Magistrates play a critical role in handling cases, particularly in rural areas, and a reduction in their work pace could lead to delays and a backlog of cases. This may further strain the already burdened court system, creating a delay in the delivery of justice to Liberians.
The government’s alleged silence on the matter has raised concerns, as the ongoing dispute could erode public trust in the country’s legal institutions. As the protest begins, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the magistrates’ demands or if the situation will escalate further, affecting Liberia’s judiciary system.
According to our source, the Magistrates are willing to forget their planned action but that will only happen if the government promptly addresses their concerns.
Magistrates in Liberia play a crucial role in the country’s justice system, especially in handling cases at the lower levels of the judiciary. Their responsibilities extend across both urban and rural areas, where they serve as the primary point of contact for many citizens seeking justice.
