Ageler wants to stop the pressure on the judiciary in North Macedonia

2024-03-15 18:38:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The American ambassador in Skopje, Angela Ageler, has called on political parties and other institutions in North Macedonia to put an end to the pressure on the judiciary.

"Judges must be free to exercise their duties and enforce the law. This is what the citizens of this country demand more and more. They need an independent and efficient judiciary," said American Ambassador Angela Ageler in a speech held on March 15 in Skopje to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Constitutional Court.

"In the United States of America and here in North Macedonia, this court is essential to enable a transparent and fair society. Everyone must respect the independence of judges who must be blind to political influences and public opinion, and be guided by the principles that are based on our constitutions," said the American ambassador.

The criticisms of the American diplomat come after the reports of international institutions about the decrease in the confidence of the citizens of North Macedonia in the judicial power.

According to recent public opinion surveys, trust in the judiciary has dropped to 2 percent, the lowest level since the country's independence in 1991.

Ambassador Ageler said that "only independent judges can uphold the rule of law and protect rights and that they must act objectively and fairly".

"I have heard a lot from you about the pressures that have been put on them. The pressure on the judiciary in North Macedonia is something that must be stopped. Judges must be left free to exercise their duty", stated Ageler.

The head of the Mission in Skopje of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Kilian Wahl, among other things, emphasized the need to strengthen the Constitutional Court through the introduction of an efficient mechanism for submitting complaints.

"The OSCE mission in Skopje and other international partners support the court, which will continue to serve as a solid pillar for the rule of law, the protection of human rights and democracy in North Macedonia," stated the OSCE ambassador. -'s, Kilian Wahl.

The judiciary in North Macedonia has been continuously criticized by the European Union.

The European Union has called on Skopje to make deep reforms in the judicial system as it estimates that it has reached "a critical point", following numerous scandals related to the release of many corrupt officials from criminal prosecution from the period of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. , the obsolescence of cases and the release from prison of some of them./ Rel