Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro’s legal system cannot function effectively, nor can the consistent application of the rule of law be ensured without a fully independent and responsibie judiciary, said Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Markovic.

He said this during the panel discussion “20 Years of Montenegro’s Independence: From Independent State to a Fully Independent Judiciary”, organized by the Association of Judges of Montenegro and the Association of State Prosecutors.

Markovic pointed out that the judiciary is not only limited to courts and the prosecutors’ offices, but also lawyers and other legal professions, which is the standard of modern democratic societies.

Without their full independence and responsibility, as Markovic emphasized, the legal system of Montenegro cannot function effectively, nor can consistent application of the rule of law be ensured.

“Responsibility does not rest exclusively with the holders of judicial office, both from the aspect of protecting human rights, and from the aspect of observing legal regulations”, said Markovic, adding that it is equally the responsibility of the entire society – citizens, media and institutions, especially when it comes to the protection of human rights and respect for the law.

Markovic said that there is no influence on the Prosecutor’s Office, although there have been attempts to create expectations or perceptions of control for others’ interests.

Speaking about informing the public, he pointed to legal restrictions requiring state prosecutors to act with a high degree of independence and impartiality, in order to protect the integrity of cases and their own work.