Serbian Judicial Union: Media Persecution of Judges Sends Message to Stay Silent

A Serbian judicial authority union has decried a recent wave of media attention directed at judges Ksenija Marić and Aleksandar Perunović, along with retired prosecutor Jasmina Paunović. The union characterized this media scrutiny as a deliberate message to the judiciary, urging silence and compliance.

In a statement, the union asserted that the media's focus on these officials is not for public information but for their "marking, discrediting, and disciplining." They argued that when judicial figures are attacked for their professional integrity or decisions that displease the authorities, the target extends beyond the individuals to encompass anyone in the profession who might follow their example.

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When holders of judicial office are attacked for publicly expressed views, professional integrity, or decisions that are not to the liking of the authorities, the target is not only them as individuals, but all in our profession who might possibly follow their example.

The union emphasized the critical importance of unity among judges, prosecutors, judicial and prosecutorial assistants, and other justice system employees. They called for solidarity with those who speak out to defend the judiciary and to preserve the minimal conditions necessary for a state governed by the rule of law.

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That is why it is of paramount importance that judges, prosecutors, judicial and prosecutorial assistants, employees in the judiciary and professional associations remain united in supporting all those who speak out publicly in defense of the judiciary and appeal for the preservation of at least a minimum of conditions for the existence of a state of law.