Skopje, 25 October 2023 (MIA) – The judiciary must not be subjected to political pressure and the other branches of power must not be allowed to interfere in the adoption of judicial decisions that have to be based on the legislation, concluded the President of the Supreme Court, Besa Ademi, and the Ambassador of the United States, Angela Aggeler, at a meeting Wednesday, which was also attended by other judges from the highest judicial body. 

“The constitutional principle of the separation of powers needs to be respected, and the judges should be free of any influences. Transparency, as one of the most important factors for public perception and trust, also plays an essential when it comes to the independence of the judiciary. The appropriate application of European standards and the respect for legal principles are of great importance as well,” noted the interlocutors at the meeting, as per a press release from the Supreme Court.

“To that end,” said the Supreme Court, “the meeting stressed that the independence of the judiciary is the strongest guarantee of the rule of law, and that the integrity of the judges represents a key factor for the fulfillment of the principles of independent judiciary.”

“U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler said it is necessary to provide strong support for the commitments to an independent and transparent judiciary, and that the Supreme Court’s activities to that end are providing a key contribution in the process of reforms,” said the Supreme Court.

Photo: Supreme Court