Marković: VDT expects the legislative and executive authorities not to create a perception of inappropriate influence

The Supreme State Prosecutor's Office (VDT) expects the legislative and executive authorities to respect the constitutional principle of separation of powers and not to threaten the independence of the prosecution organization in any way, nor to create the perception of undue influence, said Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković.

At the celebration of the Day of State Prosecutors of Montenegro, he said that the State Prosecutor's Office is not only an institution, it is a pillar of the rule of law and a guarantor of the stability and security of society.

According to Marković, society requires high standards of legal ethics and fairness.

"And we are the ones who are obliged to preserve these principles", said Marković.

As he emphasized, the work of each prosecutor will be evaluated.

"We recognize and appreciate the effort and results that contribute to strengthening the rule of law. However, this trust also carries obligations to preserve integrity - illegal behavior or deviation from professional standards implies responsibility," said Marković.

He pointed out that the work of prosecutors requires high ethical standards and that it is their duty to remain faithful to that responsibility towards society, the Constitution and the laws.

As Marković said, every state prosecutor is expected to act bravely and consistently, in accordance with the law, without succumbing to pressure, and to put justice as a priority in their work.

"The strength of the prosecution lies in being independent and impartial, regardless of the challenges. Commitment to these principles ensures that the law applies equally to everyone," said Marković.

He said that the efficiency and effectiveness of the State Prosecutor's Office must be raised to a higher level, with full respect for the guaranteed procedural rights of all participants in criminal proceedings.

"The systemic approach we use directs our expectations towards other social factors as well," said Marković.

He said that they expect other branches of government - legislative and executive, each in their own domain to contribute to the creation of conditions for the smooth operation of the State Prosecutor's Office, as well as to raise the standard of state prosecutors and all employees in that institution through joint efforts.

"In that spirit, we expect the legislative and executive authorities to respect the constitutional principle of separation of powers and not to threaten the independence of the prosecutor's organization in any way, nor to create the perception of inappropriate influence," said Marković.

He emphasized that the independence of the prosecutor's office is key to strengthening citizens' trust in the judicial system.

"The modern legislative framework and adequate working conditions, improvement of the material situation through adequate salaries worthy of the holders of the prosecutor's office, but also of other employees of the State Prosecutor's Office, are prerequisites for efficient and effective actions of judicial bodies," said Marković.

In this direction, as he said, there is a visible readiness coming from the Government and the Parliament, but the concrete and full effects of which are still expected, and that in the near future.

Marković stated that they expect the judiciary to make a full contribution to the establishment of the rule of law through efficient and effective action.

"With a full understanding of the problems that the courts face in their work, we also face the same, we want to believe in their full commitment to the goal of jointly contributing to the establishment of justice and the rule of law," said Marković.

He thanked all the prosecutors who, with their work, contribute every day to reaching the high standards of the state prosecution.

"No less, I am grateful to my colleagues, without whom the State Prosecutor's Office would not be able to function and without whose support prosecutors would not be able to perform their duties, advisors, associates, interns, administrative staff," Marković pointed out, adding that their dedication of the forces that keep them on the path of truth and legality.

He emphasized that the State Prosecutor's Office is not just an institution, it is a pillar of the rule of law and a guarantor of the stability and security of our society.

"It is up to us to build trust in this system, because that is the only way we can build a just society that respects the law. Let this day be a reminder of our common mission, the importance, but also the responsibility we have in building Montenegro as a state of the rule of law and its path to full membership in the European Union (EU)," said Marković.

As he said, in a world where the pursuit of justice is more present than ever, prosecutors serve as guardians of the law and defenders of the public interest.

"Our work not only shapes the legal landscape of Montenegro, but also affects the lives of citizens who seek fairness and integrity from us. In the year behind us, there are a lot of good results, as well as the challenges we faced," said Marković.

He pointed out that they approached the reform of the state prosecution strategically, with a clear goal - establishing a sustainable system characterized by transparency, efficiency, responsibility, competence, digitalization of processes, as well as the creation of adequate conditions, spatial capacities, technical equipment, better standards.

"Through the initiated transformation process, we strive for the State Prosecutor's Office to achieve the reputation and status it deserves, as an institution that can respond to all the challenges of modern society," said Marković.

He said that, as one of the priorities, they continued the determined fight against organized crime and corruption.

Marković assessed that this year they achieved exceptional results in that segment.

As he said, the focus of their activities is also directed at other emergent forms of crime that threaten society and its values.

He added that this includes domestic and family violence, attacks on journalists and their property, torture, human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as hate crimes and hate speech.

Marković said that their commitment is also reflected in confronting the past, adopting the Strategy for the Investigation of War Crimes and the accompanying Action Plan, as well as through the initiated investigations and prosecution of war crimes.

"We deeply believe that justice must encompass all aspects of society, including the most difficult moments from the past, in order to build a society based on truth and reconciliation," said Marković.

He said that transparency in the work of the prosecution has increased, as has the level of communication and cooperation with the media.

Marković pointed out that the Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro is focused and determined to strengthen international cooperation, which they consider a key condition for a successful fight against organized crime.

EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johan Satler said that the EU deeply values ​​the work of the Montenegrin prosecution system.

"Your commitment to the fight against all types of crime, especially organized and high-level corruption, is of key importance, not only for European aspirations, but also for the creation of a just society tailored to all citizens," Satler pointed out.

He said that the perspective of Montenegro's membership in the EU by 2028 is ambitious, but achievable.

"In order for this vision to become a reality, Montenegro must maintain a stable step forward and a clear direction of movement, with a focus on reforms, without distractions," said Satler.

According to him, the report of the European Commission for Montenegro confirmed that the country has strengthened its position as a leader in the EU accession process.

Satler said that, with all the praise, the Report also emphasizes the challenges ahead.

He said that the fight against organized crime and corruption at a high level must be continued, with regional and international cooperation.

"It is crucial that you support the highest standards of professional responsibility within your institutions, with regular evaluation of the performance of compliance with ethical and other norms in the work of state prosecutors. That is what is also crucial," said Satler.

He said that they expect a proactive approach in addressing attacks on journalists, as well as a firm commitment to prosecuting all types of violence in society.

Satler pointed out that, in this collective commitment to reforms, every institution within the Montenegrin system must show responsibility and commitment.

"When it comes to the process that led to the Report on the fulfillment of temporary benchmarks, several things remain, including the appointment of the President of the Supreme Court, which is an issue that must be resolved," said Satler.

The judiciary, he said, must address the problem of long trials.

Satler said that they recognize the challenges, but that the EU stands ready to provide support through human and technical resources, and help to complete the tasks in accordance with the best European standards.

"I will commend your commitment to accountability and transparency. Every decision you make, every indictment you raise sends a message to society that justice must be delivered fairly and equally for everyone and that no one is above the law," said Satler.

According to him, commitment to the rule of law is the cornerstone of Montenegro's European path.

"Let's continue with joint forces and in partnership towards the realization of a common vision, all with the goal of a just and prosperous Montenegro and Montenegro within the EU," said Satler.