The High Judicial Council has reacted to the statements made on Tuesday and Wednesday by Prime Minister Edi Rama regarding the Prosecution Office and the Special Court, following the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
"KGL has closely followed recent developments regarding statements made by persons in positions of power, executive or political, as well as certain media outlets, which affect the image and dignity of judges at the special courts for corruption and organized crime.
"The Supreme Court of Justice holds the position that any attempt to violate the independence of the judiciary, through pressure or coercion of any kind, constitutes a direct threat to independence, democracy and the rule of law," the reaction states.
"The Council, in fulfillment of its legal commitments, calls on all actors to avoid pressure in the form of statements, quotes or allusions that harm judges due to the exercise of their function. In a state of law, the independence of the judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars for guaranteeing justice and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Judges must be free from any form of interference in decision-making, in order to exercise their duties in accordance with the Constitution and the laws in force. The Council emphasizes that in a state that is fulfilling the criteria for EU membership, the only way to challenge a judicial decision should be through the exercise of legal remedies, by appealing to a higher court." (A2 Televizion)
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