Executive Board of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary on pressure and intimidation of judges through the media
The Executive Board of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary (ENCJ) adopted yesterday, December 17, 2025 a Statement on pressure and intimidation of judges through the media. The Executive Board recalled that democratic states and societies require continuous maintenance. Recent developments and ongoing events observed in some ENCJ member and observer states once again call for action. The ENCJ notes with concern negative trends such as pressure on judges and even intimidation, including regular hostile media campaigns by political actors.
As stated in the Statement, judges should accept legitimate criticism, and they do so. However, negative and hostile comments have broader implications for the judiciary, because they are often intended to exert pressure on it. These targeted actions reflect a growing trend that threatens judicial independence and weakens the separation of powers. They have a long-term impact on the image of the judiciary, on undermining public trust in the judiciary, and it contributes to the erosion of the rule of law. Such conduct also affects individual judges, as it may even encourage physical attacks on them.
“We are witnessing a growing tendency of politicians using the media as a means to attack court decisions. The rise of social media and citizen journalism also contributes to this, increasing the risk of trial by media in cases that attract public attention. This, in turn, puts pressure on the judiciary through the targeted exposure of judges to inappropriate pressure or verbal attacks. As a result of this phenomenon, dissatisfaction among part of the public is growing, with some feeling entitled to ostracize judges. It is extremely difficult to rebut narratives that harm the justice system and significantly contribute to the growing loss of public confidence in the judiciary. Unfortunately, we see this across Europe. I therefore welcome the ENCJ’s stance on this unacceptable phenomenon,” stated the President of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic, Marcela Kosová.
The ENCJ Executive Board considers it necessary to recall the fundamental principles of a democratic state. It also emphasizes that the executive and legislative branches are obliged to provide all necessary and appropriate protection in cases where the exercise of judicial functions is threatened by attacks or intimidation. The ENCJ calls on all relevant actors, including all branches of state power, to refrain from facilitating, causing, or permitting attacks on the judiciary or the intimidation of judges.
„Solidarity among European judicial bodies is a fundamental value of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary and an important tool for safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. As also stated in the Athens Declaration from 2022, protecting the rule of law requires both preventive and reactive solidarity, and judicial councils must support and actively stand up for any colleague who finds themselves in difficulty. In this respect, the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic is very active and responds to every identified attack on judges,” concluded Marcela Kosová.
Statement of the ENCJ Executive Board
- 118kB
As stated in the Statement, judges should accept legitimate criticism, and they do so. However, negative and hostile comments have broader implications for the judiciary, because they are often intended to exert pressure on it. These targeted actions reflect a growing trend that threatens judicial independence and weakens the separation of powers. They have a long-term impact on the image of the judiciary, on undermining public trust in the judiciary, and it contributes to the erosion of the rule of law. Such conduct also affects individual judges, as it may even encourage physical attacks on them.
“We are witnessing a growing tendency of politicians using the media as a means to attack court decisions. The rise of social media and citizen journalism also contributes to this, increasing the risk of trial by media in cases that attract public attention. This, in turn, puts pressure on the judiciary through the targeted exposure of judges to inappropriate pressure or verbal attacks. As a result of this phenomenon, dissatisfaction among part of the public is growing, with some feeling entitled to ostracize judges. It is extremely difficult to rebut narratives that harm the justice system and significantly contribute to the growing loss of public confidence in the judiciary. Unfortunately, we see this across Europe. I therefore welcome the ENCJ’s stance on this unacceptable phenomenon,” stated the President of the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic, Marcela Kosová.
The ENCJ Executive Board considers it necessary to recall the fundamental principles of a democratic state. It also emphasizes that the executive and legislative branches are obliged to provide all necessary and appropriate protection in cases where the exercise of judicial functions is threatened by attacks or intimidation. The ENCJ calls on all relevant actors, including all branches of state power, to refrain from facilitating, causing, or permitting attacks on the judiciary or the intimidation of judges.
„Solidarity among European judicial bodies is a fundamental value of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary and an important tool for safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. As also stated in the Athens Declaration from 2022, protecting the rule of law requires both preventive and reactive solidarity, and judicial councils must support and actively stand up for any colleague who finds themselves in difficulty. In this respect, the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic is very active and responds to every identified attack on judges,” concluded Marcela Kosová.
Statement of the ENCJ Executive Board
- 118kB