appeals-single-judge-hrc-response · amnesty-2020-muzzling-critical-voices

SCC trials were conducted before a single judge, who exercised wide discretion in characterizing offences and determining punishments, including the death penalty. ... Appeals against SCC verdicts and sentences are first reviewed by the SCC Appeal Court and, if upheld, then go automatically to the Supreme Court. If confirmed by the Supreme Court, the verdict and sentence are final. Death sentences, however, are referred to the King for ratification prior to execution. ... They are considered behind closed doors, in the absence of the appellants and their lawyers. ... According to the Human Rights Commission, “All hearings of the SCC have been public, with the presence of the accused, their counsels, their interested family members, HRC representatives, and a number of media outlets.”