site.btaBulgarian Judges Association Opposes Judicial System Act Amendments

Sofia, July 6 (BTA) - In a statement Thursday, the Bulgarian Judges Association (BJA) said that draft changes to the Judicial System Act openly aim to prevent judges from exercising their right to free association.

In addition, the new bill bans them from participating in the management bodies of professional associations with other members of the judiciary such as the Union of Jurists in Bulgaria.

The bill also bans project funding for professional judges associations. According to the BJA, these associations need project funding in order to organize professional forums, training, workshops, foreign exchange, and to publish guidelines, reference books and other legal literature.

The statement says: "The supporting arguments that the ban will prevent dependencies on foreign influence are ridiculous and characteristic of non-democratic societies."

The BJA criticize provisions whereby members of the judiciary attempt to introduce career bonuses for members of the Supreme Judicial Council.

The BJA urges the bill sponsors and their respective parties to show responsible and statesmanlike attitude and withdraw the proposals.