“The Court would like to draw your attention to what you say which could be interpreted as an insult to the court when you maintain that you are surprised to see people pleading without robes. This is a representative of a state. The protocol says that the State is represented by an agent who is assisted by one or more lawyers. Show me the chapter or article which prohibits the representative of a State from speaking in court,” notes Judge Jérôme Traoré.
The second clarification against Mr Branco who, according to the judge, showed a lack of respect for the Court, states: “I don't know if you know the nomenclature of the jurisdictions. How can you argue to a Community Court that the fact of being constituted in a procedure before a Senegalese criminal jurisdiction is valid as constitution before the Court of Justice of the ECOWAS?
“I wonder about your comments. We must avoid sensationalism and victimization. When you are in court, argue the law. It’s better,” says Judge Traoré.
Source: dakaractu.com 31 Oct 2023
