April Rule of Law Highlights

A look around the world at the latest rule of law events in April

Mubarak retrial to commence 13 April

The retrial for former president Hosni Mubarak, his two sons, the former Interior Minister Habib Al-Adly and six of his aides will take place on 13 April, the state-run news agency MENA reported. The decision was made by the Cassation Court, which has agreed to review the evidence set against Mubarak in relation to the killing of protesters during the January 2011 Revolution that ousted him. Read more.

Venezuela readies for key post-Chavez election on April 14

On April 14, Venezuelans will head to the polls to vote in the first presidential election since President Hugo Chavez's March 5 death.  Opposition leader Henrique Capriles will challenge Nicolas Maduro, the socialist acting president and President Chavez's preferred successor.  Maduro has vowed to Chavez's supporters that will be carry the torch of the former socialist leader and carry on where he left off. Read more.

April 11 Screening of "Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law"

On April 11, the World Justice Project will co-host a film screening of "Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law" in Seattle, WA, with the University of Washington School of Law. A second screening will take place at the United States Institute of Peace on April 25, in partnership with the WJP and the Robert F. Kennedy Center. Read more on Mtetwa's recent arrest. Click here for event details.

Fiji Constitution release date on April 12

Fiji's interim government has announced that the country's new constitution will be ready by April 12. Initially, following the suspension of the 2009 constitution, Fiji seemed to be following a progressive track towards developing a new constitution. Specifically, it adhered to Decree No. 58, that established Fiji's constitutional process. The decree guaranteed that the constitution would ensure an equal citizenry; a secular state; the removal of systemic corruption; an independent judiciary; elimination of discrimination; good and transparent governance; social justice; one person, one vote, one value; the elimination of ethnic voting; proportional representation; and a voting age of 18. Read more.

Tunisian lawmakers set timetable for constitution, elections

Tunisian lawmakers voted on Friday to have a draft constitution ready by the end of April and hold elections by December at the latest, steps meant to rescue a faltering democratic transition in the country that launched the Arab Spring. The agreed timeline could ease tensions festering since the February 6 assassination by suspected radical Islamists of secular opposition leader Chokri Belaid, and encourage local and foreign investors needed to hoist Tunisia out of economic crisis. Read more.

Bhutan's Second Trip to the Parliamentary Polls on April 23

Over the next couple of months Bhutan will take steps towards further consolidating its fledging democracy. Its people will vote first for the National Council and then the National Assembly. This is the second time in their country's history that the Bhutanese will be voting in parliamentary elections. Read more.