A report for the restructuring of the Cyprus justice system, prepared by the Institute of Public Administration of Ireland, IPA, was presented on Tuesday during an event at the Supreme Court, outlining a number of suggestions that will make the island’s justice system more effective and speedier.
The report includes suggestions on how to implement the recommendations provided and an Action Plan as well as a Road Map to help the committee that will undertake the implementation of the suggestions.
The report recommends the setting up of a special working group which will deal with the delays in serving justice, the creation of a Second-tier Appellate Court, an independent administration service and the introduction of modern technology in courts.
The IPA further recommends the introduction of an electronic computerized system, a more effective recording system for court proceedings, introducing new regulations and practices to allow for more efficient judicial proceedings, the use of alternative dispute resolution methods and the introduction of intensive training programmes for judges and court staff.
In addition, the report calls for the immediate improvement of all court premises and upgrading security throughout courts on the island.
The report will be presented to the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades by the Supreme Court and will also be uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website.
President of the Supreme Court, Myronas Nicolatos said that the Cyprus Justice system faces serious delays with a great number of cases that are still pending for trial.
Nicolatos said there were many reasons for this unacceptable situation that hampers Cyprus` efforts to become a commercial and business center in the region.
He further said that the courts face “the biggest structural and operational reform” in the last years, and he hoped that the recommendations made in the report, if approved by the Supreme Court, will be implemented as soon as possible. Nicolatos said he hoped that Cyprus will soon have a complete, reliable justice system, which will ensure both high quality and reasonable speed.
Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said that in the last five years, his ministry has promoted a number of proposals which aim to speed up processes in the Cyprus justice.
Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said the aspiring reform of the justice system is an urgent priority, noting that it is unacceptable for Cyprus to be ranked 138th from 190 economies as far as application of justice is concerned.
He said that “the modernization of the judiciary system and the effective application of justice will support entrepreneurship and strengthen Cyprus’ image as a modern investment centre.”
