The controversy stems from a provision published in the Official Gazette on July 5, which prohibits broadcasting trials “in whole or in part, in any way, especially through television, radio, internet, and generally any technological means, as well as the filming, recording, and transcription of trials into written text through special software.”

Despite this, the Ministry of Justice cited Article 8 of Law 3090/2002, which has been in force for 22 years, prohibiting total or partial broadcast by television or radio, as well as the filming and recording of trials, unless the court grants permission. The ministry asserted that the recent regulation merely added internet transmission to the existing modes of restriction.

Memorandum of the Union of Judges and Prosecutors to the Minister of Justice

In a detailed memorandum addressed to Minister of Justice Georgios Floridis, the Union of Judges and Prosecutors outlined several key demands and positions:

  1. Inclusion in Ministry Committees: The union protests the exclusion of its representatives from the Ministry’s committees concerning the functioning of the judiciary and the status of judicial officers.
  2. Protection Against Verbal Violence: Immediate legislative measures are needed to address the increasing cases of verbal violence against judicial officials.
  3. Increase in Positions: There is an urgent need to increase the number of appellate judges to prevent over-accumulation of cases in the second instance and delays in issuing decisions.
  4. Judicial Mediation: The union calls for a review of its proposal to strengthen judicial mediation in political cases.
  5. Voluntary Exit Provision: A provision should be made for judicial officials who are unable to perform their duties due to serious health issues to exit voluntarily.
  6. Advance Payment for Travel Expenses: Judicial officers should receive advance payment for travel expenses when assigned to regional courts.
  7. Opposition to Tightening Criminal Legislation: The union opposes further tightening of criminal legislation that deviates from basic principles established by the European Convention on Human Rights.
  8. Opposition to Limiting Trial Publicity: The union strongly opposes any limitation on the principle of trial publicity, asserting that the judicial function’s legitimacy is rooted in transparent decision-making processes.
  9. Constitutional Change in Judicial Leadership Selection: The union reiterates its long-standing demand for a constitutional change in the method of selecting judiciary leadership, advocating for a more substantial role for the judicial body in pre-selecting candidates.

The Union of Judges and Prosecutors emphasises that transparency and public access to judicial proceedings are essential for maintaining the legitimacy and accountability of the judicial system. They urge the government to reconsider the restrictive provision and uphold the principles of open justice and freedom of the press.

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