Skopje, 3 July 2024 (MIA) - The Judicial Council is an important weapon that will be necessary for a real transformation of the judiciary in North Macedonia into an institution that serves its citizens, protects the innocent and sanctions those who think they are above the law, said United States Ambassador Angela Aggeler at a conference Wednesday on the Judicial Council’s progress in implementing recommendations from EU peer review mission.  

In her address, Aggeler stressed that the Judicial Council should follow the recommendations of the peer review mission, since, she said, the public’s trust in the judiciary is shockingly low.

“You will agree that a lot of work lies ahead of you. The report of the EU peer review mission is a valuable guideline for the restructuring of the Judicial Council and re-establishment of its role within the judiciary. The Judicial Council is an important weapon that will be necessary for a real transformation of the judiciary in North Macedonia into an institution that serves its citizens, protects the innocent and sanctions those who think they are above the law,” Aggeler said.

The Judicial Council, according to Aggeler, should follow the law and resist political pressure, because, she said, North Macedonia has good laws, as well as experienced prosecutors and judges.

“North Macedonia has good laws, well-equipped institutions and experienced prosecutors and judges, most of them also travelled and had exchanges in the US. So, the question that is being raised is how can we start to fill that gap or the lack of trust of those that we need to serve. The message is clear and isn’t changing. Do the job that you have to do. Follow the law, work for the people, resist political pressures, protect your own integrity and accept transparency. The hard work has already begun, and we are seeing progress. Now allow us to help you move even further forward on your path,” Aggeler said.

Photo: MIA