Boeremag applies for legal aid
2003-05-05 13:48
Pretoria - The Legal Aid Board is processing applications for assistance from 23 members of the rightwing Boeremag organisation due to go on trial for alleged treason and terrorism later this month.
The applications would be finalised early next week once the financial records of the men had been considered, the board said in a statement on Monday.
The applicants had until Wednesday to submit their financial statements.
"The final decision will be according to the legal aid guide and the legal aid board means test," the statement said.
Under the Constitution, legal aid is provided to accused persons in criminal trials unable to afford their own legal fees where "substantial injustice" would result if such aid was not provided at the State's expense.
In civil matters, it is accorded to vulnerable groups for the protection of their constitutional rights, the board said.
The 23 men are to stand trail in the Pretoria High Court from May 19 on charges of murder, high treason, terrorism and sabotage.
The charges relate to an alleged plot to overthrow the government. The Boeremag has claimed responsibility for at least some of the bomb blasts in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape late last year.
- SAPA