The process of reforming the justice sector is a long-term project,» said the executive bureau of the Association of Tunisian Judges (AMT). It cannot be achieved by removing the constitutional gains guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, but through making up for the shortcomings.

In a statement Thursday, the executive board explained that «it is inacceptable to undermine the judiciary and to subvert its independence by other powers,» stressing that «any reform must necessarily go through a dialogue and a national participatory approach, far from unilateral practices.»

«Despite the importance of the issue, judges who are the subject of suspicions that undermine their integrity, impartiality and independence cannot be held accountable for their actions by decision of the executive,» the same source added.

According to the AMT, this must be done within the framework of the institutions, particularly through the disciplinary and control institutions, in accordance with the law and in respect of transparency, by keeping public opinion regularly informed of the results of their work.

The association also warned against «paving the way for collective sanctions that oppose the principles of fair trial and the provisions of the rule of law and institutions.»

The AMT reaffirmed its attachment to the independence of the judiciary and to the «democratic dividends» represented by the Supreme Judicial Council (French: CSM) as an independent institution.

It called on the council to activate the internal oversight mechanisms with the required rigour and seriousness and to initiate the necessary and urgent reforms.

The judges association also urged the CSM to continue examining the remaining files submitted to it since February 23, which are concerned by the report of the General Inspection of the Justice Ministry.

The AMT asked the CSM to «remedy the shortcomings and major failings observed in the judges’ reshuffle, particularly by addressing the damage caused to criminal courts specialised in transitional justice by stripping them of the majority of their members.

Source: Tap News Agency