Everything comes and goes, and perhaps both the Deputy Attorney General and the President of the Republic are banking on this principle.
However, the crisis facing the Justice system has never been so severe. It will not be resolved by sweeping it under the carpet and waiting for it to be forgotten. Even if it ceases to monopolise public attention (which it inevitably will), the loss of trust in one of the Republic’s most important pillars will not be restored. The rot will continue, consuming everything in its path. What we refuse to confront today will persistently confront us.
The widespread calls for the Deputy Attorney General’s resignation following the ECHR ruling are not because we have been exposed in Europe. Our concern is not what foreigners will say. It is because the institution of Justice has been irreparably damaged, causing the foundations of the Republic to creak. There was already a sense that something was amiss; citizens already felt unprotected. The decision to suspend prosecution of an accused rapist (a party official, incidentally) confirmed the prevailing impression.
The Deputy Attorney General attempted to downplay the ruling’s impact and reassure the public that the decision “presents an opportunity for institutional introspection and substantial improvement”. We heard the familiar refrain that “every cloud has a silver lining” once again, and again concerning a rape case—just as when the former president pardoned a convicted rapist. This demonstrates one of the points the ECHR raises: sexism in addressing gender-based violence.
Those heading the Attorney General’s Office lost their credibility long ago. Verbal acceptance of responsibility and pledges for change no longer convince anyone. This was not an isolated incident or mishandling for which the responsible party deserves a second (and third and fourth) chance. It represents a recurring exercise of power that is no longer tolerable. Citizens cannot be denied their right to seek justice because one individual—who no longer commands respect or trust—has decided otherwise. Justice cannot continue to be undermined. The impression that Justice is compromised cannot be allowed to persist.
The President must now act. He cannot hide behind institutional independence, waiting for the storm to pass. Decisive action is needed now.
The separation of powers within the Law Office should have occurred long ago, before the fire spread. What is required now is immediate firefighting, not promises.