Harsh Court Terror Penalties Approved

The Supreme Court decided to pursue the introduction of a “judicial order protection law” to give weighted punishment to those who make terrorist acts against judges, prosecutors and court officials in relation to rulings made in trials.

The Court made the agreement at a meeting of court chiefs from across the country on January 19. Also included in the law are ensuring the safety of justices and court officials, protecting their personal information and punishing heavily those who disturbs trials.

The criminal law has an article on weighted punishment given to criminal acts against accusers, complainants and witnesses, but not against those working for the justice system, including judges, prosecutors, court officials, lawyers, and experts giving testimony.

Those who make commotions or contempt of court have been detained or fined under the current law, but the Supreme Court decided to give heavier punishment in serious cases.

To those who make malicious slanders against justices and court officials through one-person demonstrations, the court will also respond by accusing them for defamation of character or by requesting provisional disposition of demonstrations.

In a case in which a judge feels his safety is endangered, he will be able to request a house and personal guard for 24 hours under the new law.

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