First public hearing held on judicial law amendments, in relation to the Venice Commission's opinion
Numerous judges and public prosecutors from all over Serbia attended the public hearing.
TL;DR
- The Ministry of Justice in Serbia held its first public hearing on amendments to judicial laws, based on the Venice Commission's opinion.
- Minister of Justice Nenad Vujić presented proposals for changes to laws concerning public prosecutors, high-tech crime, court and prosecutor jurisdictions, judges, and the High Prosecutorial Council.
- Key proposals include empowering the High Prosecutorial Council to decide on prosecutor appointments and potentially modifying voting thresholds within the Council.
- Legal professional associations, including the Forum of Lawyers of Serbia and the Association of Judges and Prosecutors, expressed support for the amendments.
- Some participants raised concerns about the politicization of these issues and the need to view Venice Commission recommendations as guidance rather than mandates, while preserving national sovereignty.
- The Ministry also announced the formation of working groups to analyze the Special Department for High-Tech Crime and the broader judicial and prosecutorial network.