kathimerini.gr
Greece's Top Judge Condemns External Influence on Courts
Anastasia Papadopoulou, the newly appointed President of Greece's Areios Pagos Supreme Court, emphasized judicial independence, condemning external attempts to influence court decisions, especially those pending, while acknowledging the role of public discourse on judicial actions.
- What immediate actions or changes are implied by the new President of the Areios Pagos's statement regarding judicial independence and external criticism?
- Following her appointment, the new President of the Areios Pagos, Anastasia Papadopoulou, stated she will serve with full awareness of the immense responsibility, dedication, and commitment.
- How does the President's statement address the balance between public discourse on judicial decisions and the potential for undue influence on the judiciary?
- Papadopoulou emphasized the judge's responsibility in ensuring judicial independence, maintaining distance from power, and avoiding unnecessary interaction. She highlighted the importance of public discourse on judicial actions while condemning attempts to unduly influence court decisions, especially those pending.
- What are the potential long-term implications of external attempts to influence judicial decisions, as described by the President of Areios Pagos, for the rule of law in Greece?
- Papadopoulou's statement reflects concerns about external pressures on the judiciary, particularly regarding criticism of pending cases and attempts to manipulate judicial decisions. This underscores the fragility of judicial independence and the need for mechanisms to protect it from external influence.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new president of the Areios Pagos (Supreme Court of Greece) emphasizes the importance of judicial independence, the need to avoid undue influence on court decisions, and the responsible exercise of public criticism of judicial actions. This directly supports SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.