Such was a demonstration for the independence of justice where Zsolt Bayer wanted to list the judges

The have been demonstrated for the independence of justice Saturday afternoon in front of the Ministry of Justice. “If I dare not say what I believe in, then I have no right to believe it,” said Katalin Boros, president of the Hungarian Judicial Association (Mabie), in his speech. In his view, they express their opinions because many people have been doubtful in recent times that judges’ rights can go down. They can benefit society if judicial independence and existential circumstances are okay, he said.

“If independence is shaken, the rights of each citizen may be at risk.”

For Saturday’s demonstration, Zsolt Bayer, a Fidesz publicist, said that I should list the participating judgesbecause if one of the judges marching at the demonstration is divided into a pro -government lawsuit, they must complain about bias. The demonstration took place peacefully and according to the organizers’ request without party policy. Participants moved from Kossuth Square to the Ministry building, where so many gathered to be full of Nádor Street.

Photo: Hevesi-Szabó Lujza / Telex

In addition to the president of Mabie, previous judges and representatives of foreign judicial organizations spoke. Ferenc Hízler, retired forensic president, said he was not happy that only a part of the 2700 judges appeared on Saturday. He recommended them the papal saying that “don’t be afraid”.

“A judge who is afraid is no longer a judge. You should not get there so far. ”

In his view, tyranny begins when the legislature and executive power crush the third, he said. The protest is not about wages, but about the rule of law and judicial independence, he said.

András Baka, former president of the Supreme Court, said about the listing of Zsolt Bayer: There is confusion in the heads because there is only a law that judges cannot engage in political activities but freely express their opinions. “They have the right to speak on court issues and even have a duty. Who should speak against the demolition of the rule of law if not the judges? ” According to him, the 70s are back in the judiciary, and the courts are not independent.

András Baka speaks at the demonstration-Photo: Hevesi-Szabó Lujza / Telex

Tamás Matusik, head judge of the Buda Central District Court, said that the judge had independence as long as he wanted to stand up and stand for it. Anyone may need an independent court at any time, and this is now in serious danger. According to him, a new chapter begins with the stand, they will not step back. “Every judge has to ask themselves whether he has complied with judicial independence and the rule of law.” They have to talk to each other about their work, and they have to take this home from the current movement.

“Democracy does not work without free and independent judges,” said Mikael Sjoeberg, president of the European Judicial Association (EAJ). He assured the Hungarian judges for Sjoeberg’s support. It is not every day that the judges are protesting, so it is here to say that their association is with them. He also protested with the Minister of Justice about structural reforms that undermine judicial independence, he added.

Duro Sessa, president of the International Judicial Association, called it a unique event that the judges would go to the street as they are now. Not for their own interest, but for the benefit of citizens. The judiciary must be consulted before each decision affecting them, he said.

Duro Sessa Speaks-Photo: Hevesi-Szabó Lujza / Telex

They did not only move for the independence of justice in Budapest. In Szeged on Saturday morning protesters placed flowers at the building of the Szeged General Court. The flashmob of about 100 people was organized by AHANG Szeged, APont, but also had similar actions in other rural cities.

The judges did not protest for the first time the independence of justice because of. There was also one on December 11 last year moveafter The Government and the National Judicial Council have triggered enormous outragewhich was found several times during the Saturday demonstration.

The Szeged Movement – Photo: Ferenc Móra Sándor / Telex

The essence of the agreement is that he has been procrastinated for years In exchange for a wage increase, OBT went into make the government implement a series of significant transformations in justice. According to thousands of judges and forensic workers protesting against the agreement OBT has been committed to the independence of justice And his honor, because he should not have made the wage increase to accept the planned reforms.

Among other things, the government wanted to raise the lower age limit for judicial appointments to 35 years. In principle, they should have commented on the law amendment with the OBT, however Thanks.

Even the EU can have a few words for this, because in 2023 the government went into it because of frozen EU funds To confirm OBT’s powersone of the elements of which was that they should consider the draft legislation affecting the operation of the judiciary with a body of elected representatives of the judges. Due

in what ways can individuals contribute to maintaining the independence and integrity of the justice system in their daily lives?

# The Szeged General Court Movement: A Conversation with Ádám Kovács, Organizer of AHANG Szeged

Earlier this month, a flashmob involving around 100 people gathered at the Szeged General Court, protesting for the independence of justice. the event, organized by AHANG Szeged and APont, was one in a series of similar actions held across several rural cities.

Interview with Ádám Kovács, Organizer of AHANG Szeged

Q: Can you tell us about the motivation behind the Szeged General Court movement and why flashmobs are being organized across multiple cities?

Ádám Kovács: ‘The movement was sparked by the National judicial Council’s (OBT) agreement with the government, which we believe compromised the independence of justice. The aim is to raise awareness about this issue and advocate for judicial independence. Flashmobs are an effective way to grab attention and spark public discourse in multiple locations.’

Q: What specific aspects of the OBT government agreement are you protesting against?

Ádám Kovács: ‘The most contentious point is the government’s plan to raise the minimum age for judicial appointments to 35. Though, the primary concern is the lack of consultation with the OBT and the judiciary regarding these proposed reforms, which goes against EU guidelines.

Q: How do you think the government’s proposed reforms will impact the justice system and society as a whole?

Ádám Kovács: ‘By undermining the independence of the judiciary, these reforms could lead to a lack of trust in our justice system. This would have grave consequences for society, as it would call into question the fairness and impartiality of trials. We believe that a strong, autonomous judiciary is crucial for a healthy democracy.’

Q: Why do you think these protests are vital, and what can people do to support your cause?

Ádám Kovács: ‘These protests are critically important as they raise awareness about an issue that directly affects our everyday lives – the rule of law. We encourage anyone who supports an independent judiciary to join us at our next event, share our message on social media, or simply have conversations with friends and family about the importance of judicial independence.’

Thought-provoking Question: In what ways can individuals contribute to maintaining the independence and integrity of the justice system in their daily lives?