March for Justice, Belgrade – 21.2.26. MEDEL’s message of support to its member association PAS and all those who are committed to defending the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Serbia.
The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy which must be defended. Prosecutors play a crucial role in upholding the Rule of law: they act on behalf of society and in the public interest to ensure a fair and impartial administration of justice. Prosecutorial independence must be protected.
These values are under attack today in Europe and globally. With them, rights and freedoms of citizens are under attack. Against this backdrop, MEDEL expresses its serious concerns over the reform recently adopted in Serbia which, through a rushed procedure and without consultation with the High Councils, has amended the legislation on public prosecutors. We experienced how the framework governing prosecutors can be strategically exploited to shift the institutional balance in favour of the executive and give it control over the entire judicial system.
Changes strengthening the internal hierarchical structure to the detriment of the High Council of Prosecutors and granting the executive powers of intervention in relation to the activities of prosecutors, represent a step backwards in the reform process that began in 2022. They depart from European standards, requiring a robust institutional and functional framework to protect the independence of prosecutors and their autonomy in taking decisions free from any undue internal and external interference, and laid the groundwork for an erosion of the independence of the entire judicial system.
Whenever judicial independence is called into question or undermined at its very foundation, solidarity between European judges and prosecutors supports their fight for defending rule of law values. Whenever the judiciary is under attack the position taken by judicial associations and their dialogue with the legal community and civil society– as demonstrated by the unique and inspiring example of the March of 1,000 robes in Warsaw – contributes to the resilience of the rule of law.
MEDEL therefore wishes to reiterate its support to the Association of Serbian Prosecutors in its commitment to strengthening and protecting the autonomy and transparency of the prosecution service and improving citizens’ trust in the justice system;
MEDEL stands in solidarity with Serbian prosecutors and judges and all those who continue to fight for an independent and accountable judiciary and to raise public awareness of its importance for the benefit of all citizens.
See more about the March of Judiciary on PAS website:
https://uts.org.rs/medels-message-of-support-to-its-member-association-pas/?lang=en