Judges and lawyers are encountering significant challenges in their work just two days after the implementation of the e-Justice electronic justice system. The system, introduced to simplify court procedures and eliminate endless delays, has, for the time being, brought everything to a halt in the courts. Since Monday, when it became operational, the workload of lawyers and judges has become more difficult.

The Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy announced that intensive efforts are underway for the effective and timely resolution of the problems presented by e-Justice.

The Ministry explains that, regarding the technical issues that have arisen in the implementation of the e-Justice system, they are working closely with the contractor to resolve these issues as efficiently and swiftly as possible.

It is reminded that, following instructions from the Supreme Court, cases are being processed both electronically and physically where e-Justice completion is not feasible.

Furthermore, the Ministry expresses its gratitude to the Supreme Court and the Cyprus Bar Association for their understanding, constructive cooperation, and contribution to restoring the system's normal functioning. It also thanks the judicial officers and the public, apologizing for the inconvenience.

The Cyprus Bar Association Council urges all relevant bodies to seriously address the functioning of e-justice to enable its smooth operation. Until then, they recommend clearly defining the framework and clarifying the registration/display arrangements to prevent further confusion and disorder in case management, potentially leading to unpredictable consequences.

The announcement further expresses the Bar Council's strong disappointment with the plethora of issues caused by e-justice's inadequate functioning, hindering the smooth and unobstructed processing of legal cases, which affects law offices' operations and citizens' access to justice.

It's noted that on Monday, 15/1/24, during the system's full application, the servers collapsed, leading to a multitude of technical problems and insurmountable difficulties.

Following continuous efforts by the Board members and the established support team, which involved sending dozens of letters and messages identifying issues, three emergency meetings were held on Wednesday and Thursday with the involved parties (Supreme Court, Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, and the Technical Support Team).

The Council suggests a temporary return to iJustice, which, according to the information received, is not feasible as it is now only in viewing mode.

In the context of these meetings and following the Bar Association's persistent insistence, access to justice was secured, even with physical registrations for all cases and email communication as a last resort to prevent the paralysis of law offices and the system.

The Council emphasizes this arrangement as temporary, pending the necessary corrections by the company's technical team, with a deadline set for the coming Tuesday, 23/1/2024.

The Bar Council stresses that it will not accept the permanence of this situation, as it constitutes a regression and is far from the concept of modernizing justice.

The Cypriot State is urged to take full responsibility and deliver the functional and user-friendly system promised to the operators and citizens. The Council adds that the modernization of justice should continue consistently and away from hasty measures leading to regressive solutions.

The President of the Cyprus Bar Association, Michalis Vorkas, speaking to Offsite News, said, "We face very serious problems with the operation of e-justice. We find that the system not only fails to fulfill its intended purpose but, on the contrary, seems to create either practical or substantial irregularities in the processing of judicial procedures."

According to Mr. Vorkas, "the current situation is causing turmoil in the legal community, endangering citizens' rights." He emphasized the need for immediate resolution of these severe issues, otherwise, other solutions should be considered without further delay, including the possible reactivation of iJustice.