Mouhoun: The Prosecutor of Faso at the High Court of Ddougou, Lamoussa Hema, held a press conference to discuss the extraordinary criminal session scheduled for June 22 to 26, 2026, aiming to expedite the processing of 25 criminal cases.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the session is designed to clear the backlog of cases that are awaiting judgment, in alignment with the Ministry of Justice’s guidelines to reduce criminal case processing times.
During the announcement, Lamoussa Hema expressed gratitude for media support in broadcasting judicial activities. The extraordinary hearing will span five days, focusing exclusively on criminal cases, in a manner reminiscent of the old criminal assizes. This shift is a result of judicial reforms that transferred certain powers from the criminal chambers of the courts of appeal to the high courts, leading to more cases being referred to courts of first instance.
The session will address 25 cases involving 34 defendants, including six individuals currently detained. The cases selected for this session were chosen based on criteria such as the age of the files, their progress, and the circumstances of the defendants. Notably, one case dates back to 2012, highlighting the need for efficient judicial processes.
The docket includes a range of criminal offenses, such as assassinations, murders, and various attacks on human life. Additionally, cases involving sexual violence, embezzlement, drug-related offenses, and kidnappings are slated for review. The hearings are scheduled to start at 8 a.m. each day, with an aim to review five cases per day until all registered cases are addressed.
In preparation for the session, notification and preparation operations for the parties involved have been ongoing for several days. The Prosecutor of Faso extended an invitation to the public to attend the hearings, emphasizing their public nature and the role they play in fostering understanding of the justice system.
Hema also addressed media professionals, underscoring their role in informing citizens and building public trust in the judicial institution. He acknowledged challenges faced by the jurisdiction, including insufficient judicial staff, incompatibility rules for judges, and difficulties in ensuring the appearance of parties.
Regarding cases of public interest, Hema noted that the case concerning the assassination of the canton chief of Solenzo is not included in this session, as the investigation is still ongoing. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing judicial communication, allowing residents of Mouhoun and Banwa to better follow the progress of legal procedures and actions undertaken by the justice system.