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Judges Association Urges
Politicians Not to Jeopardize
Law-Based State


Sofia, February 13 (BTA) - In a position circulated to the news
media on Friday, the Bulgarian Judges Association (BJA) urged
politicians discussing Operation Worms to focus on achieving a
genuine judicial reform and to adhere to a statesmanlike
approach in constituting the Supreme Judicial Council and its
Inspectorate instead of commenting on who should be charged and
convicted.

The reference is to politicians' reaction to allegations that
Sofia City Court President Vladimira Yaneva authorized the use
of special surveillance means for 300 days in a scandalous
wiretapping operation codenamed Worms.

The BJA again appeals for respect for the principle of judiciary
independence. "This fundamental constitutional principle
requires from the representatives of the two other branches of
government to refrain from any acts that could be perceived as
interference with the performance of the judicial authorities'
functions," the position reads.

"Public statements by senior executive and legislative
officials, which contain foregone conclusions about the
commission of criminal offences, which specify the persons who
must be acquitted and who must be convicted, jeopardize the
State committed to the rule of law," the BJA argues.

The organization recalls that the European Court of Human Rights
has already rendered judgments against Bulgaria in connection
with such statements, which call into question the presumption
of innocence and the right to a fair trial. LI/LG