Washington shows "her deep concern" Regarding Said’s solution, the Supreme Judicial Council of Tunisia

Washington (AFP) – 02/08/2022. 02:19

Price: It is imperative that the Tunisian government uphold its commitment to respecting the independence of the judiciary

• The United States on Monday expressed its “deep concern” over Tunisian President Kais Saied’s decision to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council
• State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “An independent judiciary is a vital component of an effective and transparent democracy.
• On Saturday evening, the Tunisian President announced the dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council, accusing this body of corruption

expressed United State Monday expressed its “deep concern” about Tunisian President Kais Saied’s decision to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council and close the headquarters of this constitutional body.

US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “An independent judiciary is a vital component of an effective and transparent democracy. It is imperative that the Tunisian government maintain its commitment to respecting judicial independence in accordance with the constitution.”

The Tunisian president announced on Saturday evening that he was dissolved The superior committee of justiceHe accused this body of corruption and of slowing down investigations into the 2013 assassination of left-wing activists.

The Supreme Judicial Council, established in 2016, is an independent body responsible for appointing judges. It is made up of 45 judges, two-thirds of whom are elected by Parliament and who themselves choose the remaining third.

Said said, “This council has become where positions are sold, and even the judicial movement (appointments in it) is established based on loyalties,” stressing that “money and property obtained by a number of judges, billions and billions, are in their place where the accused stand.”

The Supreme Judicial Council expressed its rejection of the decision “in the absence of a constitutional and legal mechanism that authorizes it,” considering it “an attack on the constitution and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.”

On Monday, Tunisian police closed the headquarters of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, a measure denounced by its president as “illegal”.

Ned Price added that “the United States renews its call to accelerate the process of political reform in Tunisia,” which would ensure “continued respect for human rights.”