wa6 on release. political activities After grOUnd6. fair and the training “f reeaing” which would of martial be law, of no use to persons prisoners had been after their detained 06 trial 594. With reference to that issue, member6 of the Committee sought further information on the relevant provisions of law governing the appointment and dismissal of judges by royal decree; on whether procedure6 applied in the military courts were consistent with the guarantees laid down in article 14 of the Covenant, particularly in relation to the right of appeal; on the grounds for prohibiting certain categories of persons from attending criminal trials; and on scheme6 for legal aid and assistance as well as on the Organisation of the legal profession. 595. Member6 also asked whether there were any provisons for the victim of a miscarriage of justice to obtain compensation in accordance with article 14 (b) of the Covenant: what the procedure was for the removal of judge6 and whether the Commission responsible for the appointment and removal of judges acted at its own discretion or on some statutory basis; and whether Jordan was planning to accede to the Convention against Torture and Other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Cruel, 5Y6. The representative of the State party stated that the applicants for the post of judge sat a competitive examination and that properly qualified candidates were appointed in the same way as in other services. Judges of the Supreme Court could not be dismissed by the executive, were obliged to retire at the age of 72 and could be brought before the Supreme Council of Judges 06 disciplinary ground6 in the event of serious mi6COndUCt. The Law on the Independence of the judiciary governed the establishment of a commission on removal of judge6 and laid down the rules under which it operated. Martial law courts had been provisional organs of justice, which had been dismantled after the abrogation of martial law. Prisoners were entitled to 6Ue for pardon to the Military Governor-General or to the King. The court6 were responsible for appointing a defence lawyer in cases where the prisoner was not represented. Court sentences were open to review by higher courts in the normal way. All persons had the right to seek redress for damage incurred8 that principle was enshrined in article 11 of the Constitution and was al60 referred to in the Code of Civil Procedure. According to article 125 of the Constitution, any person taking a legal decision (even under martial law) w66 held to be responsible for the consequences of his act. 5Y.l. Under existing Jordanian law, intended to accede to the Convention or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Freedom of movemention torture against was a punishable Torture and. Other offence Cruel, and JordaP Inhum of al&~& 590. With reference to that issue, members of the Committee asked for further information on the law and practice in respect of freedom of movement and regarding the possibilities of appeal against expulsion and provisional detention. They also wished to know whether the privilege6 and immunities specified in articles 29 and 30 of Act No. 24 applied to diplomats in Jordan and requested clarification with respect to the employment of foreigners. -146-