The judiciary must be completely free from political or any inappropriate influence, in order to ensure justice and the rule of law, and thus Montenegro's success on its European path, it was announced at a session of the Rule of Law Council.
As announced by the Government, at the session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica, the conclusion was unanimously adopted to organize a thematic session of the Council as soon as possible with a focus on issues related to the independence of judicial bodies.
"The Rule of Law Council emphasizes that Montenegro has unequivocal obligations to preserve the independence of the judiciary in accordance with the standards of the Council of Europe and the European Union (EU)," the statement said.
The Council, it added, emphasized that the independence of the state prosecutor's office is guaranteed by the Constitution and that it represents a key element in preventing any form of political control of criminal prosecution.
"Only in this way can the indiscriminate fight against organized crime and corruption, which is being implemented in Montenegro and is affirmatively recognized by international institutions, be continued and accelerated," the statement said.
The Government said that the session expressed support for the work of the prosecution, which, with clearly defined accountability systems, must be completely free in its operations, within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
"The Council condemns any attempt to discredit the public, through hybrid actions, and to discredit the professional integrity of key function holders in the Police Directorate, or law enforcement agencies, with the aim of weakening and minimizing the security capacity of the state and its basic functions," the statement said.
As stated, at the Council session, the information from the President of the Supreme Court on the need to adapt the courtroom of the Basic Court in Podgorica for the needs of the Special Department of the High Court in Podgorica was considered and accepted.
"A series of conclusions have been defined relating to the responsibilities of the competent authorities for the purpose of rehabilitating and adapting the premises, and procuring funds important for the safe conduct of the trial process for members of organized crime groups in the premises of the Basic Court in Podgorica," the statement added.
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