Bosnia's Judicial Council Demands End to Political and Media Pressure on Judges

The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (VSTV BiH) has called for an end to political and media influence on court cases. They asked groups to stop trying to discredit judges. This statement followed media reports and political comments about Judge Gordana Marić. She works at the District Economic Court in Banja Luka, in a case involving RTRS and BHRT.

VSTV BiH urged all parties to act responsibly. They asked for respect for the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Convention for Human Rights. These laws forbid unlawful influence on courts. VSTV BiH reminded that judges decide cases independently and fairly. Their judgments come from laws, facts, and evidence. Pressure on a court or judge should not change the decision. This independent work ensures fair trials for everyone and unbiased decisions based on law.

Discrediting judges harms public trust in the justice system. It wrongly suggests legal protection is unavailable. VSTV BiH stated these claims are not true about how courts work in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Council stressed that political and media attacks on judges violate the BiH Constitution. The Constitution states Bosnia and Herzegovina is a democratic nation with the rule of law. This means a separation of powers and an independent judiciary, free from government and outside pressures. The Constitution also promises a fair hearing before an "independent and impartial court," protected from external influence.

Media freedom is important but has limits. The European Convention allows freedom of expression. However, this freedom must respect the authority and fairness of the judiciary. The Council of Europe advises against personal attacks or media campaigns that undermine public trust in judges due to their decisions. Expert opinions separate proper criticism from unacceptable media pressure or personal attacks on judges.

VSTV BiH demands that all political and media actors stop campaigns against Judge Gordana Marić. They must end actions that discredit her and pressure the court case. Court decisions must rely only on law, facts, and evidence. They must not be affected by political pressure, media campaigns, or public attacks on judicial officials.