The JuSTICE Project supported a 3-day workshop to develop a manual on the formulation of prosecutorial statements in civil and criminal cases, along with the application of preventive measures by the Office of the People’s Supreme Prosecutor (OSPP) on 22-25 May 2024. This initiative aims to standardise prosecutorial practices, ultimately ensuring greater consistency and fairness throughout the legal system in Lao PDR.
The workshop was chaired by Mr. Boualee Phetmixay, a member of the Party Executive Committee and Director of the Detention Camp and Re-education Department at the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office. Over 30 key prosecutor officials including legal professionals and members of the research committee, contributed their expertise and insights toward the development of this essential guidebook.
The manual aims to transform Resolution No. 112/ກມສພ, issued by the Political Department of the Party Central Committee on June 2, 2020, into actionable guidelines. This resolution emphasised improving the quality of judicial proceedings, particularly the preparation of prosecutorial statements and the application of preventive measures, to ensure that criminal procedure is consistently upheld and adapted to the specific circumstances of each case, reinforcing fairness and justice in prosecutorial practices.
The workshop included presentations, group discussions, and collaborative exercises designed to address key challenges in prosecutorial practices. Participants worked collectively to refine the manual’s content, drawing from their diverse expertise to ensure it meets the practical needs of the Office of the People’s Prosecutor while adhering to legal standards.
The workshop concluded successfully, with participants expressing their commitment to finalising a manual that will serve as an essential guideline for prosecutor officers and legal practitioners across the relevant sectors. This effort represents a significant step toward modernising judicial processes and ensuring that justice is delivered effectively in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.
With financial support from the AFD-funded JuSTICE Project, the Ministry of Justice is committed to collaborating with the OSPP to enhance the precision and effectiveness of legal arguments in prosecutorial statements, ensuring procedural compliance throughout Lao PDR’s court proceedings.
Photos by: Chalernsin
