Justice watchdog warns of judicial independence crisis in Greece
The Justice Observatory, an independent organization operating in Greece, has raised concerns over the state of judicial independence and the rule of law in the country.
In a statement, the observatory warned that growing public distrust and institutional challenges within the judiciary pose a significant threat to the rule of law. It emphasized the need for increased transparency and oversight mechanisms to ensure the proper functioning of the judicial system.
The statement highlighted that discussions surrounding the judiciary have intensified, particularly following the tragic train accident in Tempi. It stressed that judicial independence must be safeguarded through institutional guarantees that protect judges' functional and personal autonomy.
ABTTF President: "Public Trust in the Judiciary is Diminishing"
Commenting on the issue, Halit Habipoğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), described the watchdog’s findings as a warning signal for the Greek government.
"The fact that an independent body like the Justice Observatory has drawn attention to serious issues concerning judicial independence and the rule of law in Greece is a message to the government. Legal scandals in recent years have severely eroded public confidence in the judiciary. The government has been using strategic lawsuits as a tool of intimidation, undermining the rule of law for political purposes," said Habipoğlu.
He also pointed to judicial pressure on the Turkish minority in Western Thrace:
"Community leaders and associations have long been subjected to suppression through strategic lawsuits. Moreover, Greece’s Supreme Court has failed to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings regarding the Bekir Usta and Others case group. For 17 years, Greece has ignored international law by refusing to comply with these decisions."
Habipoğlu urged the Greek government to take immediate steps to uphold judicial independence and the rule of law, emphasizing that these principles are fundamental values of the European Union.
