The CCJE Working Group met on 11-13 May 2022 to develop the draft CCJE Opinion No. 25 (2022) on the freedom of expression of judges.
The Working Group discussed the preliminary opinion, drafted with the support of the CCJE expert, Ms Jannika Jahn. The text includes a set of general principles, guidance on permissible limitations on freedom of expression of judges and controversial cases (i.e., statements with a nexus to judicial disputes, regarding political matters, criticisms of the judiciary/fellow judges, active political activities or former mandates), on the duties of judges to defend judicial independence, to explain justice, etc. It also includes a dedicated section on the use of social media.
The next phase will involve issuing the text for further written consultations and a final review before adoption by the CCJE during its 23rd plenary meeting, from 30 November to 2 December 2022.
The CCJE Working Group meeting was held in Berlin, upon invitation by the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Judge Anke Eilers (Germany), President of the CCJE.
Dr Angelika Schlunck, State Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Justice held a bilateral meeting with Judge Viktor Gorodovenko, member of the CCJE in respect of Ukraine. Judge Gorodovenko's participation to the Working Group also enabled members to be informed of the situation and current challenges faced by the judiciary in Ukraine.
Collaborative workspace
