A group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has written to the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe, expressing concerns about the restrictions imposed on magisterial inquiries. These inquiries, which are investigations carried out by a magistrate to establish responsibility for a crime, play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice. However, the NGOs argue that the recent restrictions undermine the effectiveness of these inquiries and compromise the rule of law.
The NGOs’ concerns are rooted in the importance of magisterial inquiries in promoting transparency and accountability. By investigating crimes and determining responsibility, these inquiries help to prevent impunity and ensure that those responsible are held to account. However, the restrictions imposed on these inquiries threaten to erode these gains and create an environment in which crimes can go unpunished.
The Council of Europe, which is responsible for promoting human rights and the rule of law across Europe, has long recognized the importance of NGOs in holding governments to account. In fact, the Council of Europe has called on its member states to review and repeal laws that impede the free and independent work of NGOs. By writing to the EU and the Council of Europe, the NGOs are seeking to draw attention to the restrictions on magisterial inquiries and to urge these institutions to take action to protect the rule of law.
