The Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) notes that since taking office, the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Serbia has been engaging in matters related to the work of the courts, even though this does not fall within his jurisdiction. He publicly condemned the decision of the Court of Appeals in Novi Sad to release the accused activists from detention, claiming that the decision was the result of direct pressure from the streets. He then tasked the High Judicial Council with reviewing the circumstances under which the decision was made, and requested the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office to re-examine the court’s ruling—something that, as any legal professional would confirm, is impossible both in theory and in practice.
According to media reports, the Minister of Justice has in recent weeks been visiting courts and independent state bodies, including a visit to the President of the Court of Appeals in Novi Sad. The HLC reminds the Minister that his jurisdiction is strictly limited to performing administrative tasks in the judiciary, drafting legislation in the field of justice, and managing development assistance projects.
The HLC calls on the Minister of Justice to stop interfering in the work of the courts and to respect the constitutional separation of powers. It also reminds him that, for over six months, students and citizens in Serbia have been protesting to demand the establishment of the rule of law and that institutions operate strictly within the scope of their legal competences.
