CSM Magistrates Seek Protection in Response to Justice Minister’s Allegations
Rome: All magistrate members of the judiciary’s self-governing body, the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM), along with lay member Roberto Tomboli, have filed a formal request to initiate a special procedure aimed at safeguarding the independence and autonomy of magistrates. This move comes in the wake of statements made by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, who accused prosecutors of “cloning” cases and conducting “secret and eternal” investigations.
According to Ansa News Agency, Minister Nordio made these assertions while addressing the Senate, in defense of his controversial judicial reform. The reform proposes to separate the career paths of judges and prosecutors, preventing them from switching roles. The CSM’s request to open a special procedure highlights the minister’s description of prosecutors’ activities, labeling them as cloning cases and engaging in hidden investigations, which he portrayed as a widespread issue within the State Attorneys’ Offices.
The request further criticizes Nordio’s depiction of prosecutors as “supercops” who enjoy the same protections as judges, arguing that this misrepresents their role and activities within the current judicial framework. The CSM members expressed concern over the implications of such statements, especially given Nordio’s position as one responsible for disciplinary actions against magistrates.
In defending the reform, Nordio dismissed concerns that it would transform prosecutors into ‘supercops’, asserting that they already hold significant power without adequate accountability. He claimed that prosecutors, under the current system, not only oversee but also initiate investigations, often without parameters or controls, leading to prolonged and financially damaging inquiries.
The National Association of Magistrates (ANM) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed reform, warning that it could fundamentally alter the constitutional balance of power, potentially allowing political influence over judicial processes. The ANM has planned a strike against the reform on February 27.
The constitutional reform bill, which has passed an initial vote in the Lower House, seeks to establish separate self-governing bodies for judges and prosecutors, each chaired by the head of State. Members of these bodies would be selected through a draw, comprising university professors, lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. Additionally, a High Court of Justice would be created to discipline both judges and State attorneys.
The bill awaits three further parliamentary votes, including one in the Lower House and two in the Senate. If the text remains unchanged and receives two-thirds majority approval in both Houses during the second vote, the reform will bypass a referendum.