Skopje, 13 February 2025 (MIA) - Any attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary through pressure of any kind and by anyone against members of the Judicial Council and judges is a direct threat to the independence and democracy of the state and the rule of law, the Judicial Council said in a statement. 

"The Judicial Council of the Republic of North Macedonia has been closely observing recent developments regarding the statements of the highest office holders and expresses concern because they reflect on the integrity of the members of the Judicial Council and the judges, and directly affect the perception and trust of citizens in the work of the Judicial Council and the judiciary," reads the statement. 

In every rule of law, it adds, the independence of the judiciary is one of the basic pillars to guarantee legality, justice and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

"Judicial Council members and judges must be free from any form of pressure and influence, so that they can make decisions independently and autonomously, and in this regard, the Judicial Council appeals to all public office holders, in their work and actions, to consistently respect the Constitution, laws and international agreements ratified in accordance with the Constitution, in order to uphold the rule of law and restore citizens' trust in the system," says the Judicial Council.

Judicial Council members have recently landed in the public spotlight, following changes in terms of the Judicial Council head and resignations and appointments of new members, as well as following announcements by the executive branch to reform this body. The government has launched a process to adopt a new Law on the Judicial Council, which, according to announcements, should be adopted by June 2025.

In the meantime, the parliamentary groups of the ruling parties VMRO-DPMNE, "Worth It" coalition and ZNAM submitted to the legislative house on February 7 a no-confidence motion against the members of the Judicial Council elected in Parliament, including Vesna Dameva, Miljazim Mustafa, Tanja Chacharova-Ilievska, Pavlina Crvenkovska and Selim Ademi.   

The Judicial Council, a body tasked with electing, assessing and controlling the work of judges, comprises 15 members, including eight that are elected by judges, five by Parliament after two judges are nominated by the President. The president of the Supreme Court and the justice minister are also members of the Council, but they don't have the right to vote. 

Photo: MIA archive