Hellenic Judges’ Association for Democracy and Liberties in solidarity with Italian Judges and Prosecutors –Athens 27-1-2026

Hellenic Judges’ Association  for  Democracy and Liberties expresses its deep concern over the approval of the constitutional reform of the Judiciary in Italy, which establishes the separation of the careers of public prosecutors and judicial magistrates. This represents a structural change to the traditional principles of independence and self-governance of the Judiciary. We recognize that the Italian model has always been an example of balance between functional autonomy and constitutional independence of magistrates, distinguished by a robust normative framework that ensured, on the one hand, the magistrates’ freedom to act in the conduct of proceedings and, on the other hand, effective protection against possible external interference, including political interference, thus guaranteeing that the judicial function was exercised with absolute independence and impartiality and in strict observance of the principles of the Rule of Law. The imposition of political control over the judicial system constitutes a serious threat to pluralism and weakens at the same time the institutional mechanisms of checks and balances. We express our deep solidarity with Italian judges, who continue to perform their duties with integrity and respect for their constitutional mandate, despite the orchestrated campaigns of intimidation and delegitimization against them. In the name of the Justice and the Rule of Law, and for the protection of fundamental rights and the safeguarding of freedoms, we reaffirm that the resistance of Italian magistrates is also the defense of all European citizens.

On the behalf of the Board of Greek Association of Judges for the Democracy and the Liberties.