New Report Finds Lesotho’s Judiciary Lacks Independence

The judiciary’s failure to operate independently and effectively poses a serious threat to rule of law in Lesotho, according to a recent Freedom House report. Chronic underfunding, insufficient autonomy from the Justice Ministry, and political interference seriously hamper the judicial system’s performance. As a result, the judiciary is seen as lacking in independence. The report recommends reforms in the appointments process for judges, new laws and structures to protect individual judges’ salaries from manipulation, and easier access to information for media, to promote fair and responsible reporting of court proceedings.

Download the full report here.