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“Never before has Albania had such a comprehensive framework for the investigation and discipline of judges and prosecutors. It is up to you to use these tools to continue what Vetting has started in ensuring a fair and independent justice system. “
This was said today by the Charge d’Affaires of the American Embassy in Tirana, Demian Smith, present at the conference on the topic: “Public interest in the administration of justice and the independence of magistrates”, organized by ILD.
“The United States encourages you to keep up the good work and the hard work, despite the obstacles you face. Together with our EU partners – and I want to join my EU counterpart’s comments on the close partnership between the United States and the European Union on justice reform – we supported the launch of Justice Reform in 2016 and we have been there every step of the way, through vetting and the creation of new institutions. “We are beginning to see the impact of a cleaner judiciary and dedicated prosecutors and investigators against corruption.”
Full word:
Good morning. Speaker of Parliament Nikolla, High Inspector of Justice Metani, and honored guests from Albania and from all over Europe:
It is an honor to be here to speak at this important event with so many distinguished participants.
Six years ago, Albania adopted constitutional and legal changes that created the framework for a comprehensive justice reform. Polls at the time showed that 25% of judges admitted that there was corruption in the court and 57% admitted that there was political interference. More than a third of the judges had large unexplained assets.
Justice reform in Albania created several new justice institutions to fight this corruption. One of these new institutions is the High Inspectorate of Justice. You are in charge of investigating and disciplining judges and prosecutors – an important part of maintaining trust in the justice system. You also ensure the independence of the judiciary and the prosecution, one of the many important topics on your agenda today.
The rule of law is the foundation of democracy. This means having independent judges and prosecutors who can make decisions without political or economic influence.
In the United States, this concept was so important to our founders of the state that they established an independent judiciary at the base of our system of government. In fact, the request for judicial independence was part of the United States desire for independence and is quoted in our Declaration of Independence and sanctioned in our Constitution.
Democracies around the world today agree that an independent justice system is critical not only to the rule of law, but to the very success of democracy. Never before has Albania had such a comprehensive framework for investigating and disciplining judges and prosecutors. It is up to you to use these tools to continue what Vetting has started in ensuring a fair and independent justice system.
As you all know, Albanians are beginning to see results – from the removal of corrupt judges and prosecutors to the arrests of politicians, police and organized criminals. We are beginning to see a new era where the system can serve its citizens and not just those with political connections, the rich and the criminals.
This is a start and more needs to be done. You have built new institutions of justice on behalf of the Albanian people. It is equally important that you use them to their full potential, on behalf of your fellow citizens. You must be efficient, independent and impartial to ensure a strong, just and honest justice system that will keep your democracy strong.
The United States encourages you to keep up the good work and the hard work despite the obstacles you face. Together with our EU partners – and I want to join my EU counterpart’s comments on the close partnership between the United States and the European Union on justice reform – we supported the launch of Justice Reform in 2016 and we have been there every step of the way, through vetting and the creation of new institutions. We are beginning to see the impact of a cleaner judiciary and dedicated prosecutors and investigators against corruption.
It depends on the vigilance and commitment of institutions such as the High Inspectorate of Justice to maintain progress against corruption and to guarantee the integrity of the judicial system.
Today, you have important discussions with European partners about what is working and what can be done better.
In the end, the real, significant change, belongs to you, the parties in the justice system, to embrace the reform and make the system functional for every Albanian.
Once again, thank you for the invitation and for your important work.
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