Judges’ “guild” rebukes dismissal of 2 magistrates

Santo Domingo.- The country’s judges grouped in Judemo in an unprecedented protest staged yesterday rebuked the Judicial Council’s dismissal of Santiago province justices of the peace Luisa Rosa Garcia and Gabriel Marchena, affirming that the decision “violates judicial independence."

They said in both cases the judges weren’t fired because of their decisions from the bench and instead was the result of the prosecution’s starring role as their accuser.

For the Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (FINJUS), the decisions are cause for concern, but also stated its supports of subjecting the members of the judiciary to strict disciplinary control.

Finjus clarified that such controls should respect Article 151 of the Constitution: "The judges members of the judiciary are independent, impartial, responsible and immovable and subject to the Constitution and the laws."

It adds that judges cannot be removed, suspended, transferred or retired, except for any of the reasons stated and with the safeguards provided in the law."