Ohrid, 5 December 2024 (MIA) - Judges must be united because it is impossible to have an effective judiciary if its divided by various factors; judges are strong only when united, highlighted the 8th regional conference titled "Promoting the Trust and Authority of the Judiciary Through Greater Independence and Transparency Conference", organized by the Association of Judges of North Macedonia in cooperation with the US Embassy and CEELI Institute in Prague, held December 5-6 in Ohrid.

Ivan Dzholev, judges' association president and president of the Skopje-based Criminal Court, stated that judges are strong only when united, only in such a case are they an embodiment of the judicial power.

"I think that in a time of a polarized and confrontational society, a time when there is a civil distrust in the institutions of the state, to be a judge is perhaps the most difficult thing. It's not easy, nor is it motivating to be a judge at a time when they are attacked in every possible way, while being poorly paid, at a time when the judiciary is under constant fire and criticism from the media, politicians, business elites, when judges are completely unprotected and left to their own devices," Dzholev said. 

US Embassy International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Director Virginia Elliott said the principles of an independent judiciary - transparency, integrity, efficiency, fair and equitable trials, and accountability - are the universal elements for ensuring the rule of law, stability, and prosperity in democratic societies.

"Judicial reforms are not only about improving the work of courts and election and promotion process, but also about delivering timely justice and strengthening public trust, for all citizens. The US Embassy is a long-standing supporter of this judicial conference as a testament to our commitment to empowering those who fight every day for integrity, justice, and truth. We will continue to support the bright side of the judiciary, and the brave ones that do not succumb to outside pressure," Elliott stressed. 

Supreme Court President Besa Ademi said trust, especially public trust, cannot exist without personal belief in the values and principles of justice, and that the judges must be united and unified.

"What integrity can the judiciary build if it is not resistant to centers of influence? It goes against all international and domestic documents that guarantee judicial independence. That is why we must pay more attention to the principle of solidarity. Solidarity among judges, but also solidarity with citizens, which can be achieved by strengthening transparency," Ademi pointed out.

Judicial Council Deputy President Hanif Zendeli stressed that judicial independence implies financial independence, and that the judiciary needs to be efficient, transparent, and independent. 

"Judicial independence implies independence in financial management, independence of the judicial budget and allocation of financial assistance for adequate resources for the functioning of courts across the country," explained Zendeli.

Deputy Justice Minister Alen Dereban said that we are witnessing numerous weaknesses in the functioning of the judicial system, which slowly reduces public trust. 

"Caused by drawn-out court proceedings, overburdened courts with cases, abuse of procedural acts by all participants in the proceedings, even judges. Insufficient transparency in the work, disrespect and manipulation of the laws, slow justice and administration of justice, thus endangering the constitutionally established personal and common social goods and values," Dereban noted.

Judges from the country and region, professors, lawyers, and representatives from the non-government sector will discuss and share experiences towards greater public accessibility to the work of the court, as well as best practices and recommendations, implemented at the international level towards greater independence of the judiciary through greater transparency and accountability, and results from the analysis of judicial reforms implemented in the country will be shared.

A survey on the satisfaction of users of judicial decisions will also be presented on Friday, as well as a presentation of analyses regarding the formation and the work of the Judicial Media Council for greater transparency between judges and journalists.ssh/ad/ 
 
Photo: MIA