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Arrest and detention in Zimbabwe of the retired judge, Mr Justice Blackie
Statement issued by Chief Justice of South Africa
September 19, 2002

The events surrounding the arrest and detention in Zimbabwe of the retired judge, Mr Justice Blackie, have given rise to adverse comment by legal institutions in and outside of South Africa. The allegations made against him - which are apparently denied - did not warrant his arrest at his home in the early hours of the morning, and his subsequent detention for a number of days before being released on bail. Whether this was the intention or not, the perception created by this high handed and disproportionate action is that its purpose was not only to humiliate the former judge, but also to intimidate others.

The independence of the judiciary is a core value of any democratic society. The way that the matter has been dealt with by the Zimbabwe police, threatens that independence, and is deplorable.

A Chaskalson
Chief Justice of South Africa

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