On June 5th 2012 eleven non-governmental organizations sent a joint open letter of protest to members of the Bulgarian National Assembly against new amendments in the Judiciary system act (JSA), aiming to introduce direct career advancement of the members of the current Supreme judicial council (SJC) and the Inspectorate to it. It also creates opportunities for them to participate in the procedure for the appointment of new Chief Prosecutor.
The proposed amendments of article 28 and 50 JSA give possibility for the members of the Council to be directly appointed at a higher position in the judiciary after the end of mandate. It is very likely that the provisions become a way for them to circumvent the competition and appraisal procedures. On the other hand, article 103 provides opportunity for the members of the council to participate in the nomination or directly in the appointment of the Chief Prosecutor. In view of the vicious procedure of their appointment and the hesitant performance of the current SJC such amendments are unacceptable and lead to perceptions of exerting improper influence. Therefore the NGOs strongly appeal that such proposals do not receive support by the public.
To the full text of: Open letter of Protest Against New Amendments in the Judiciary System Act