Results of the Discussion on the Concept of Judicial Reform in Belarus

The recent discussion on judicial system reform in Belarus generated more than fifty comments from participants of the “Personnel Reserve” campaign. The main focus was placed on ensuring the independence of the judiciary and protecting it from the influence of the executive branch.

Key proposals:

🔺 National Council of Justice
A new body is proposed to be responsible for forming the judiciary, appointing judges, overseeing professional development, and safeguarding judicial independence. The Council would also engage in dialogue with the government and parliament to ensure adequate funding for the judicial system.

🔺 Court fees
This issue sparked significant debate. A compromise solution was proposed: court fees would be maintained, but exemption mechanisms would be introduced for individuals unable to pay.

🔺 State budget financing
It was suggested that the core costs of the judiciary should be covered by the state budget, while court fees would remain as a regulatory mechanism.

🔺 Jury system
The introduction of juries was seen as a way to increase public trust in the justice system and ensure fairer trials. However, detailed procedures for selection and operation still require further development.

All participants agreed that an independent and transparent judiciary is a cornerstone of a new Belarus. At the same time, several issues remain open, indicating the need for continued discussion and compromise-building.

If you would like to take part in future discussions on reform concepts and become part of the “Personnel Reserve” campaign, you can join here: https://pr-belarus.org/apply-by