Benin’s Ministry of Justice has defended the integrity of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) amid claims of political influence and bias. Justice Minister Yvon Detchenou presented the court’s numerical assessment, highlighting its significant role in handling financial crimes and terrorism-related cases.
According to the report, CRIET has prosecuted over 7,000 cases in the past five years, reinforcing its mandate to uphold justice and accountability. The minister dismissed allegations of partisanship, emphasizing that the court operates independently and adheres strictly to the law.
CRIET has faced criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who argue that some cases have been politically motivated. However, the Justice Ministry insists that the court’s primary focus remains combating corruption and ensuring national security.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to judicial transparency and urged the public to recognize CRIET’s contributions to strengthening the rule of law in Benin.
