United Nations warns Argentina's political interference threatens judicial independence

Margaret Satterthwaite, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, has warned that political interference in judicial decisions poses a direct risk to democratic institutions in Argentina.

Speaking at a virtual meeting organized by the Foro Argentino de Género, Derechos y Justicia, Satterthwaite stated that public criticism of judicial rulings by government officials constitutes an abuse of power with a chilling effect. She noted that such actions exert a disciplinary pressure on the entire system, which degrades democracy and violates the right of citizens to be judged by independent magistrates.

The remarks follow public questioning of Judge Laura De Marinis by executive officials. Other members of the judiciary, including Karina Andrade and Marta Pascual, have also faced recent public exposure. The discussions highlighted interventions by figures such as Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva and Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, emphasizing the need to preserve the separation of powers.