The National Judges Association reacted after the attacks on the High Court and the Court of Appeal during protests in the capital, describing the events as unacceptable acts that damage not only the buildings, but the very functioning of justice. In its statement, the organization does not stop only at the violence carried out by protesters, but also raises direct responsibility for the institutions that had a legal duty to prevent the escalation.
Condemnation of the attacks and damage to the courts
According to the Association’s statement, the arson in the premises of the High Court and the damage to court files constitute a serious blow to justice institutions. The organization stresses that these actions undermine the safety of judges, court employees and administrative staff, while also directly affecting citizens’ access to justice.
The Association argues that any disruption in the functioning of the courts translates into concrete consequences for the public, through delays and difficulties in obtaining court decisions. In this sense, the attack on the courts is presented not simply as material damage, but as a blow to an essential public service.
Strong accusations over the lack of police measures
In the most direct part of its reaction, the Association expresses concern over what it considers a lack of appropriate preventive and protective measures by the State Police structures. According to it, the protection of judicial institutions cannot be left as a secondary matter, nor can it depend on developments in the moment during public gatherings.
The statement clearly raises the issue of state responsibility for the security of the courts, underlining that this is not a matter of institutional privilege, but an obligation to citizens and the public interest. In essence, the reaction suggests that the chain of protection failed precisely where the state claims control over order and security.
Criticism also of the Prime Minister’s language toward judges
The Judges Association also considers problematic the language used publicly by the Prime Minister toward judges who have reviewed or are reviewing prosecution requests for security measures against protesters. According to this position, criticism of judicial decision-making may be legitimate, but it must not cross into personal delegitimization or public pressure on judges.
According to the Association, such statements from the head of the executive risk creating the perception of interference in the independence of the judiciary and damaging public trust in court decisions. The organization recalls that the legality and proportionality of security measures are assessed only by the court, on the basis of the law, the evidence and the specific circumstances of each case.
Call for institutional restraint
At the end of its reaction, the Association calls on state institutions and political actors to show restraint, responsibility and respect for the independence of the judicial branch. It calls for immediate and effective measures for the security of the courts and an end to every form of pressure on judges because of their duties.
Its message is clear: if courts remain physically unprotected and exposed to political pressure, not only the justice system is harmed, but also the very standard of the rule of law.
The Judges Association’s reaction comes at a time when protest tensions have shifted from the street toward institutions, highlighting not only crowd violence, but also the state’s gaps in prevention and in safeguarding the independence of justice.
Beyond the official statements, the question that remains is how real the institutions’ capacity has been to protect the courts and whether political rhetoric is further worsening the climate surrounding judicial decision-making.