In this interview, The CSM Vice President is concerned about the shortage of judges and cites the status of court officials as a priority to be taken into consideration. Regarding the justice reform statement, Azevedo Méndez says he will not sign the document, because it is “outdated” and not very comprehensive.
When there are doubts, there must be clarifications
Vice President of the Supreme Judicial Council confirms that “incomprehensible situations must be explained”.
So Luis Azevedo Méndez considers it Clarifications are needed regarding the “influencer” operation that led to the dismissal of Antonio Costa. However, the deputy head of the body that supervises judges believes that the dismissal of Lucilia Jago will not solve the current problems facing the public ministry.
Azevedo Mendes admits that CSM was not comfortable with arrests for questioning in the operation investigating suspected corruption in MadeiraIn which three of the defendants were deprived of their freedom for three weeks, it emphasizes the necessity of avoiding this scenario.
As for the recently known statement demanding reform of justice, the Vice President of the Supreme Judicial Council told Antena 1 that he could not sign the document in its current form, because it is an “outdated” text and not very comprehensive.
Regarding the current relationship between judges and prosecutors, the Vice President of the Supreme Judicial Council spoke of a “normal relationship,” but acknowledged that it “could have been better.”
The shortage of judges is a problem that continues to concern the Supreme Judicial Council. Currently, it is not possible to replace all professionals who retire“, warns Azevedo Mendez.
The current situation of court staff should be another priority. Azevedo Méndez believes that negotiations between the government and the unions are on the right track, which is positive, because these professionals deserve better working conditions and are essential to the daily operations of the courts.
The dilapidated condition of many justice buildings has led the CSM to repeat warnings over the past year. In addition to the already well-known situations, such as those in Villa Franca de Zira or Portalegre, Azevedo Méndez points to the Peñafiel case as one that deserves more attention.
Thoughts left by Luis Azevedo Méndez, Vice President of the Supreme Judicial Council, in an interview with Antena 1.
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