Präsident des Obersten Gerichts: Das Strafprozessgesetz muss geändert werden

President of the Supreme Court: Criminal Procedure Law Must Be Reformed President of the Supreme Court Damjan Orož emphasized during his response to concerns over prolonged judicial proceedings that the justice system requires effective tools to perform its duties. He reiterated the need for reforming the criminal procedure law, stressing that it is the state’s responsibility to provide such instruments. This comes amid renewed calls for efficiency in prosecuting repeat offenders and addressing the inefficiencies highlighted following a recent attack on a police officer in Kocje. The call for reform was triggered by the recent assault on a police officer in Kocje, which has intensified discussions around the effectiveness of legal procedures and the speed with which justice can be delivered. Minister for Internal Affairs and Public Administration Franci Matoz has pointed to the need for legislative changes aimed at prioritizing cases involving attacks on police officers. The proposed amendments would establish a framework for expedited handling of such incidents. At today's opening ceremony of the Central Documentation and Digitalization Center in Celje, President Orož also responded to the incident. He acknowledged that while things are not perfect, he stressed the necessity of equipping judges with the right tools to carry out their work efficiently. “Even the most skilled mechanic cannot repair a car without the proper tools,” he remarked, drawing a parallel to the current situation within the judiciary. Orož recalled that for years, the judiciary has been calling for reforms to the criminal procedure law, noting that it is outdated, inconsistent, and no longer suitable for modern crime. He emphasized that the state must ensure that both the police and the prosecution have appropriate legislation and tools to enable swift decision-making. He expressed frustration over the recent attacks, underscoring the urgency of improving the system. Minister Mihael Zupančič, head of the Ministry of Justice, echoed these sentiments during the same event. He stated that his role is to implement all necessary measures to make the judiciary more efficient, faster, and adaptable to contemporary challenges. “We must significantly accelerate proceedings so that the right reaches those who have done wrong,” he said. Regarding potential measures to speed up processes, Zupančič noted that there could be many, but it is essential to involve all stakeholders in the justice system. He emphasized that reform of procedural legislation is urgent, but not something to be delayed for three years. Instead, he called for immediate action. He also expressed hope that the police officer attacked in Kocje will recover quickly.