CoE: condemns the attack by unknown persons at the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal

Also, the Association of Judicial Officers of the CoE in a statement said that “the morale, decency and professional integrity of the judiciary are not shaken by external pressures, extortion or violent actions – the commitment of judicial officers to their mission to administer justice remains unshaken and unwavering”.

Also, the Association of Judicial Officers of the CoE noted “the need for high-level preventive measures” around the judicial mega-cities.

Specifically, the statement of the Union of Judicial Officers of the Council of State reads as follows:

“The Union of Judicial Officers of the Council of State condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent violent attack and extensive destruction caused by unknown persons at the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal. Such unacceptable and deplorable incidents constitute not only a gross insult to the functioning of the Rule of Law, but also a profound insult to the very concept of Justice as a public good and a common basis for social coexistence.

Judges, over time and without fail, have demonstrated uninterrupted dedication to the defence of their institutional role and the independent application of the law. The morality, decency and professional integrity of the judiciary are not shaken by external pressures, extortion or violent actions; the commitment of the judiciary to its mission to administer justice remains steadfast and unwavering.

We call on the relevant state authorities to proceed with speed and efficiency to fully investigate the incidents, to swiftly identify and arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. At the same time, we call for the immediate restoration of material damage and the taking of all necessary administrative and technical initiatives to restore the normal functioning of the Court.

Finally, we stress the need to take high-level preventive measures: strengthening security measures around the court buildings, improving cooperation between police and judicial authorities, as well as systematic evaluation and upgrading of the protocols for the protection of judicial officials. Ensuring the unhindered exercise of the judicial function and the physical security of judges is a common democratic duty.”