Skopje, 2 January 2025 (MIA) - Restoring public trust in the judiciary is one of the biggest challenges we're facing today. An array of scandals, corrution-related accusations and suspicions of political interference pose a serious problem undermining the basic function of the judiciary as an independent and unbiased body. It has to be made clear that justice cannot be under the influence of political parties or any other external factors, says Justice Minister Igor Filkov.

Speaking about the new people "blacklisted" by the United States due to corruption, including a judge, Filkov in a Lokal.mk interview says it is considered crucial amid the fight against corruption and reinforcing justice in the country.

"As regards the new people in the US blacklist, including an Appelate Court judge, it is a serious signal that cannot be ignored. Corruption, especially in the judiciary, is one of the biggest challenges facing democratic institutions and rule of law. As to whether our Western parrners will continue to discover people involved in corruption, while no proceedings are launched here, I have to say it is very important to have independent and efficient institutions investigating and processing these cases. There is no progress in the fight against corruption without any willingness by the national institutions to take concrete measures and sanction those breaking the laws," says Filkov.

We have  to admit, he stresses, that international partners play a key role in supporting our efforts and using their position to point out the problems and it is our responsibility to build strong mechanisms in the judiciary and to make sure no one, regardless of their position or status, is freed from being held accountable. 

"If someone, be it a high-level judge or official, is designated as having been corrupted, proceedings should be conducted transparently and justly. Our international partners can provide us with key information and help us discover corruption, but ultimately, it is up to us to take the necessary measures and make sure justice is enforced," says Filkov.

On reforms in the Judicial Council, the Minister says the next step after public debates on the Judicial Council are concluded is to review all remarks and proposals by the participants, including experts, civil organizations and the public. 

Photo: Ministry of Justice