Suriname installs 15 new judges to strengthen judiciary

The Court of Justice in Suriname has installed 15 new judges as substitute members, bringing the total number of judges at the court to 45. The installation ceremony took place at the National Assembly, where Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks welcomed the new appointees.

The new judges completed an intensive three-year training program conducted in collaboration with the Council for the Judiciary in the Netherlands and other experts. They are trained in both civil and criminal law sectors and will begin independent sessions this Monday. This expansion comes as the country plans to introduce new legal areas, including tax and administrative law.

During the ceremony, President Rasoelbaks emphasized the necessity of impartial justice, noting that judges must be prepared to make difficult or unpopular decisions. He stressed the importance of professional communication, clear reasoning, and timely handling of cases to maintain public trust. Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath and Advocate General Lodewijk Valk both acknowledged the existing shortage of judges and welcomed the expansion as part of ongoing legislative reforms.