afrol News, 2 April - The Equatorial Guinea president Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has warned that the government will take drastic measures against the judicial system following reports of alleged abuses and irregularities in the system.

According to a statement issued by the office of the Head of State during the swearing in of new magistrates, prosecutors and judges at the national level on Tuesday, the government has vowed to root out abuses in the justice system.

Under President Obiang, the performance of the judicial personnel is reported to be characterised by a ruthless exploitation of people and businesses, "which in his opinion, has the potential to cause reactions in the population and that further weakens the state".

The president made particular references to law firms, which he described as authentic cabinets against corporate theft mounted against citizens.

He also regretted that ever since he came into power in 1979, his government has not been able to end the disastrous situation of the injustice.

Mr Obiang also criticised the impunity of the murderers and crime in general, including the alleged inability of some judges towards violence against women.

The president concluded by reporting that there was advance action to correct "these errors anachronistic" and, referring to those who help maintain them. “The government would be obliged to disable its titles and separate them from the posts in order to ensure justice,” he warned.

In 1996 Equatorial Guinea's first multi-party presidential election was held amid reports of widespread fraud and irregularities, returning President Obiang Nguema with a 99 percent of the vote.

His government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses and of suppressing political opposition.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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