But the fact that the Law is still legally in force remains of real concern as it maintains a constant threat to fair, free and democratic elections. On the 7th February 1995 it was declared that state security courts would review cases that related to internal and external security matters. These courts both in their formation and procedures violate many basic human rights. These courts are extraordinary and do not constitute part of the civil judiciary. They usually convene in secret, at midnight and no legal counsel is provided for defendants.
Trials are far too expeditious to provide appropriate procedural guarantees for defendants.
Although these courts have not been convened since 6th September 1995, the fact that they still exist has an adverse effect on the atmosphere which is conducive to elections, by maintaining a climate of fear.