Valentina Pavličić addresses judicial independence in Seoul

Valentina Pavličić, President of the Supreme Court of Montenegro, addressed the 20th Asia and Pacific Chief Justices Conference in Seoul. Invited by the President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea, Jo He-de, Pavličić spoke on the role of the judiciary in defending judicial independence.

Pavličić emphasized that judicial independence is not a privilege for judges but a guarantee of every citizen's right to equality before the law, impartial trials, and decisions based solely on established facts and law. She described judicial independence as a public good and a vital condition for a stable democratic society.

Regarding Montenegro, Pavličić highlighted the judiciary's commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly within the context of European integration. She noted that this process involves more than just aligning legislation with the EU acquis; it requires strengthening institutions and improving public trust. She concluded that public trust is earned through consistency, integrity, expertise, and transparency rather than declarations.