The High Judicial Council (KLGJ) has responded to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statements, in which he accused several judges of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime of breaking the law by sharing investigative file secrets with the opposition.
In an official statement, KLGJ emphasized that it has closely followed recent developments and warned that any attempt to undermine judicial independence through pressure or coercion represents a direct threat to democracy and the rule of law.
The council called on political actors and institutions to avoid any form of pressure on judges due to their official duties.
According to KLGJ, in a state governed by the rule of law, judicial independence is one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring justice and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
KLGJ Statement:
“The High Judicial Council has closely followed recent developments regarding statements made by individuals in positions of power, whether executive or political, as well as by certain media outlets, which have targeted the integrity and dignity of judges in the special courts for corruption and organized crime.
KLGJ maintains that any attempt to undermine judicial independence through pressure or coercion of any kind constitutes a direct threat to judicial autonomy, democracy, and the rule of law.
In fulfilling its legal commitments, the Council calls on all actors to refrain from exerting pressure through statements, references, or insinuations that affect judges due to the exercise of their official duties.
In a rule-of-law state, judicial independence is one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring justice and protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms. Judges must be free from any form of interference in their decision-making, enabling them to perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
The Council underscores that in a country striving to meet EU membership criteria, the only legitimate means to challenge a judicial decision should be through legal channels by appealing to a higher court.”
KLP Reacts to Rama’s Statements Against SPAK Following Veliaj’s Arrest
The High Prosecutorial Council (KLP) has also responded to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statements against SPAK following the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.
In a statement distributed to the media, KLP emphasized the need to respect the independence and impartiality of prosecutors.
“In continuation of its previous stances on ensuring the independence of prosecutors, the High Prosecutorial Council reaffirms its support for the prosecutorial institution to perform its functions independently, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Upholding these principles is essential for the functioning of justice and the strengthening of the rule of law.
The Council calls on all actors to respect the independence and professional integrity of prosecutors, ensuring that they carry out their duties without external influences in the pursuit of justice. The independence of the prosecution is a cornerstone for public trust in judicial institutions and for ensuring a fair and transparent legal system,” the KLP statement reads.
