Minister for Justice Transparency and Human Rights Haris Kastanidis announced the submission of 2 draft-bills till the end of summer providing for three new institutions which will accelerate the judicial system. In the meantime, General Inspector of Public Administration Leandros Rakintzis spoke of special judicial treatment of prominent persons raising several questions. Prime-minister G. Papandreou said Justice is an independent branch but it can not do whatever it wants, adding “the state has its mechanisms but justice must play its role”. Mr. Papandreou portrayed public administration as “sick man” accustomed to clientelism. Mr. Kastanidis met with the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias at noon, on Wednesday.
New Institutions
Justice Minister Haris Kastanidis in the presence of undersecretary Apostolos Katsifaras and general secretary George Dimitrainas announced measures for the acceleration of judicial procedures.
The first measure is the introduction of mediation in civil and commercial matters in the private sector which will significantly reduce courts’ work load.
Mediation is an alternative option of resolving disputes as both interested parties seek a compromise solutions through a mediator, who is a lawyer. Faster and cheaper resolution of disputes and reduction of courts’ work load are some of the advantages of the new m
The second measure is introduction of “criminal conciliation” regarding offences against property or assets treated as misdemeanor or felony but committed without use of violence (embezzlement, usury etc). In case of criminal prosecution, the prosecutor starts procedures for the compensation of victims. The case will not be referred to court provided the defendant fully compensates the plaintiff.
The third measure is acceleration of cases concerning administrative justice with the introduction of “filter selection” at the State Council. A group of judges will examine priority of cases referred to the State Council.
Furthermore the “standard procedure” is established in administrative courts. Major importance pending cases will be heard within two months following requests by directors of courts, bar associations or the Finance Minister.
Mr. Kastanidis described the measures as radical and underlined that there would follow a second package of measures for the acceleration of judicial procedures.
Prominent Personalities “Never-Punished”
In the meantime, General Inspector of Public Administration Leandros Rakintzis spoke of special judicial treatment of prominent persons in the meeting of the Parliament Institutions and Transparency Committee raising several questions.
Mr. Rakintzis told state radio NET 105.8 no prominent personality stood trial during his term. He stressed that Greece has paid huge fines for delays in judicial procedures.
(source: ana-mpa, net)
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