CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – The Afghan criminal justice system continues to make impressive strides in implementing the rule of law and demonstrating its national sovereignty in the criminal justice system at the Justice Center in Parwan. Established in June 2010, the JCIP exists to ensure fair and impartial justice for those defendants alleged of committing national security crimes in the Afghan criminal justice system.
At the JCIP, the Afghans are partnering with the Rule of Law Field Force- Afghanistan, a subordinate command under CJIATF-435. ROLLF-A’s mission is to provide essential field capabilities, liaison and security to partnered Afghan and coalition civil-military teams in order to build Afghan criminal justice capacity, increase access to dispute resolution services, fight corruption and promote the legitimacy of the Afghan government. Through this partnership, the JCIP has made tremendous strides in advancing the legitimacy and functionality of the role of law in Afghanistan.
During its first year, the JCIP completed just 45 cases. Thus far in 2012, 1135 criminal cases have been completed, as compared to only 436 in all of 2011. These include primary level, juvenile and appellate court cases.
“These numbers depict a steady increase in the court’s ability to dispense fair and impartial Afghan justice, which serves as a demonstrable example of Afghan sovereignty,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ural D. Glanville, the ROLLF-A commander.
“This is a total effort by our Afghan partners. Afghan judges, Afghan prosecutors and Afghan defense counsel are demonstrating their resolve and commitment to bringing the rule of law to their nation,” said Brig. Gen. Glanville. “The JCIP is a clear example of the working partnership between the Afghan government and coalition forces in bringing to justice those who violate the laws of Afghanistan in a fair, equitable and transparent manner,” he added.
The creation of the JCIP was a critical step in establishing Afghan criminal trial processes for cases of terrorism and threats to Afghan national security. JCIP operations are crucial to transition elements of detainee operations and facilitate prosecution of suspected insurgents initially detained under the Law of Armed Conflict at the Detention Facility in Parwan. The success of the JCIP is a significant milestone indicative of the increasing capability and capacity being built in partnership with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and is a clear demonstration of Afghan sovereignty.