Jeton Shasivari on European Day of Justice: Call for independent judiciary
Justice Minister on October 25 called for independent courts, a professional prosecution and accountable institutions; citizens and experts gave mixed assessments.
On October 25 — the European Day of Justice — Justice Minister Jeton Shasivari called for a stronger, more independent judicial system in North Macedonia, arguing that legal certainty depends on independent courts, a professional prosecution service and accountable institutions.
Shasivari's message and public reactions
In a written greeting released for the occasion the minister said: "As Minister of Justice, my commitment is to build a judiciary in which the law will be above every interest, justice will not depend on anyone's power, and every citizen will have an equal right to protection and fair treatment. We need a judiciary that decides independently, impartially and within a reasonable time. A prosecution that acts professionally, decisively and without selectivity. Institutions that will justify trust not with words and promises, but with concrete results, integrity and accountability."
Citizens interviewed for this report expressed split views: for some, justice remains an aspiration to be achieved; for others it simply does not exist in practice.
Prosecutor Lidija Raichevikj — who has publicly appeared as a candidate for head of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecution of Organized Crime and Corruption — said that the very fact people talk about justice shows how necessary this value is for improving the quality of life and that society cannot function without it.
Defense lawyer Vancho Shehtanski offered a bleaker assessment, arguing that "Macedonia as a captured state can only mention this day," a formulation reflecting widespread concern among parts of the legal community about political influence and lack of full independence.
Experts consulted for this story emphasized that justice is the foundation of a stable society and that bringing the judiciary closer to ordinary citizens must remain an ongoing mission. They described today's observance as being marked by hope that each coming October 25 will find the country with a more transparent and fair system.
Photo: press material from the event
