Trial of Katnić and Lazović Will Be Partially Covered by Cameras
The Supreme Court of Montenegro has decided that part of the trial against former Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnić and former Assistant Director of the Police Administration Zoran Lazović will be audio-visual recorded.
As confirmed by the court to “Vijesti,” the recording will cover the commencement of the main hearing, closing statements, and the announcement of the verdict. The request for audio-visual recording was initially made by Milivoje Katnić, followed by defense attorneys representing Zoran Lazović.
In March, the Higher Court in Podgorica affirmed the indictment brought by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office against Katnić and Lazović. They face charges of forming a criminal organization, abuse of office, and illegal possession and carrying of weapons and explosives. Additionally, Lazović is accused of money laundering.
Government Proposes Amendments to the Constitution of Montenegro
The Government of Montenegro, during its meeting on April 17, approved a proposal for constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring the composition of the Judicial Council.
Currently, the Judicial Council is made up of the Minister of Justice, the President of the Supreme Court, four distinguished lawyers elected by Parliament, and four judges selected by the Judges’ Conference. However, the existing model does not provide for a majority of judges chosen by their peers, which is inconsistent with European standards.
Consequently, the need for revising the constitutional provisions was deemed necessary to ensure that the majority of the Judicial Council consists of judges selected by other judges. Under the proposed changes, the Minister of Justice would no longer be a member of the Council, and non-judicial members would be appointed based on their professional qualifications and integrity, according to objective and measurable criteria. This adjustment is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the Council in fulfilling its constitutional and legal responsibilities.
Minister of Justice Bojan Božović, who has personally advocated for the removal of the Minister from the Judicial Council, stated that these constitutional amendments align with the recommendations from GRECO and the European Union, representing a significant step forward in implementing the Reform Agenda and the Growth Plan.
The removal of the Minister’s membership from the Judicial Council and the enhancement of safeguards for the independence and impartiality of non-judicial Council members have been longstanding advocacy points of Human Rights Action. The organization emphasizes the importance of depoliticizing the Judicial Council and adhering to international standards.
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