Seven judges appointed to second Special Criminal Court

Seven judges have been appointed to a second Special Criminal Court in a bid to clear a backlog of terrorism and organised crime cases in Ireland.

The Government of Ireland yesterday appointed three High Court judges, two Circuit Court judges and two District Court judges to the new court, which is set to be accommodated within the Criminal Courts of Justice.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: “I have been concerned at the backlog of cases in the Special Criminal Court with delays of almost two years in cases coming to trial.

“The coming into existence of a second Special Criminal Court confirms this Government’s commitment to ensure that those who commit serious crimes affecting the security of the State or certain organised crime offences will be brought swiftly to justice.”

The next available hearing date for cases before the existing Special Criminal Court, which has thirteen judges, is in June 2017.

The 20-month delay has led to the establishment of the new court under Section 38 (2) of the Offences against the State Act 1939.

Ms Fitzgerald previously told the Belfast Telegraph that the move was “necessary and right”.

However, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has criticised the move, claiming the establishment of extraordinary courts in peacetime is a violation of Ireland’s international legal obligations.

ICCL executive director Mark Kelly said: “The Special Criminal Court was created as an extraordinary court in extraordinary times; however, no reasonable person could today claim that there is a public emergency threatening the life of the nation.

“It is therefore unjustified that this Court’s procedures suspend fundamental fair trial guarantees, including the right to trial by jury.”

He added: “The continuation, much less the expansion, of such a court in peacetime flouts Ireland’s human rights obligations and is not necessary in a democratic society.”

The appointment of additional court staff, including a court registrar, and the adoption of court rules will be required before the new court can hear cases.