ICJ condemns escalation of attacks on Serbian Judiciary

A press release warned that the attacks gravely undermine judicial independence and the integrity of the justice system. “Judges, prosecutors, and lawyers must be able to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or political reprisal,” it added.

The press release quoted ICJ Commissioner and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Serbia Radmila Dragicevic-Dicic as saying that “these sustained acts of interference gravely undermine the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of the justice system in Serbia”. “We know from experience that when Judges, are unable to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation, retaliation or political reprisal, the human rights of everyone are at risk,” she added.

The ICJ recalled that inappropriate comments on pending cases were voiced by top state officials who also criticized judicial decisions. Those statements were amplified by pro-government media campaigns that smeared judges, prosecutors and lawyers, labeling them as traitors or foreign agents, it said.

“Serbia has an obligation to respect, protect, and ensure judicial independence and the right to a fair trial under international human rights law. The ICJ calls on Serbian authorities to take urgent steps to guarantee that judges and prosecutors can perform their duties independently and free from political interference. This requires ending smear campaigns, refraining from prejudicial public statements, and ensuring that judicial oversight bodies can respond effectively when independence is threatened. Failure to act will further erode public trust in the justice system and undermine Serbia’s compliance with its international obligations,” the press release said.