Jul 11, 2008
Belarus has become increasingly isolated from the international community in recent years due to President Lukashenko’s de facto dictatorship.
The Parliamentary elections and constitutional referendum held in October 2004 fell significantly short of international democratic norms. The government continued to crack down on those opposing the existing regime.
In November 2002, most European Union member states declared President Lukashenko persona non grata. The UN and the Council of Europe issued resolutions in 2003 and 2004 on the forced disappearances of Belarusian opposition leaders.
The many political trials throw doubts on the judiciary’s independence. Executive interference threatens judges’ security of tenure by exerting political and economic pressures. Lawyers are constrained by the licence system controlled by the executive and those defending human rights are harassed and persecuted.
In 2003, 51 case courts ruled to close down local non-governmental organizations.
Belarus-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publications-2008 (full text, PDF)
Jul 11, 2008
Fundamental rights are constitutionally enshrined and are respected. The judiciary is independent and judicial actors carry out their duties in an ethical manner. No attacks on judicial actors have been reported.
There is a slight shortage of judicial personnel, and a lack of continuous training of judges, lawyers and prosecutors. Gibraltar has as yet no Judicial Council. Although individuals enjoy the right to a fair trial before a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law, and in accordance with the principle of equality before the law and the presumption of innocence, there is room for improvement in the provision of legal aid and of pro bono work.
Gibraltar-Attacks on Justice 2005-Publications-2008 (full text, PDF)
Jul 11, 2008
The prospect of EU membership prompted the introduction of important constitutional and legal reforms that significantly strengthened the judicial system in Turkey. However, serious deficiencies remained.
Jul 11, 2008
During the period 2003-2004, Croatia continued to experience significant changes under the new Government of Prime Minister Sanader, particularly in its bid for accession to the EU.
Jul 11, 2008
After considering the events that have taken place in the legal field since 2002, we can conclude that no relevant attacks on judicial independence have occurred that would affect the very fabric of its foundation.
