The Judicial Appointments Council (KED) has reacted sharply after the publication of a material by the television station “Top Channel”, which it describes as “exceeding the limits of the responsible exercise of media freedom”. In its official statement, KED says that the reporting contains “unfounded accusations, serious, untrue and dangerous claims”, which according to the institution “harm the image of the mentioned magistrates and the authority of the constitutional bodies”.
According to the Council, preliminary indications show that the publication made by the media "is based on false data, obtained from dubious sources, bordering on criminal violations". In response, it is emphasized that this constitutes "a serious deviation from the legal and ethical standards of public information, while the true purpose of the news remains unclear".
The institution clarifies that every action and decision-making has been carried out in full compliance with the law and has been formalized with decisions regularly published on the official website of the KED, in respect of the principle of transparency and public accountability. "Such a thing has not been reflected in the aforementioned media reporting," the statement says.
The Council recalls that the law clearly stipulates that data affecting national security “are administered in a special manner and cannot be made public”. The KED emphasizes that it has verified the information mentioned in the report and that “the data provided were unfounded and had no legal or factual impact on the assessment of the candidate”.
The Council's statement calls the publication "an irresponsible act that seriously undermines the integrity of magistrates, the authority of the Judicial Appointments Council and other constitutional institutions." The dissemination or distorted interpretation of classified data, according to the KED, constitutes a violation of the law and damages public trust in institutions.
The Council urges the competent authorities to immediately verify the manner in which the false information, which may contain classified data, was obtained and disseminated. “The legal responsibilities arising from this action for the purpose of criminal or administrative prosecution must be assessed,” the KED underlines.
In conclusion, the Judicial Appointments Council assures the public that it remains “committed to ensuring that every process is conducted with impartiality, professionalism and full respect for the law, unaffected by any form of pressure or illegal interference.” According to the statement, the evaluation of candidacies will continue “only on documented, verifiable grounds and in accordance with constitutional principles.”
