Council of Europe Urges Italy’s Meloni to Avoid Political Pressure on ECHR

Alain Berset, Secretary of the Council of Europe, has issued a strong statement from Strasbourg defending the independence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This comes amid heightened political debates surrounding migration policies in Europe.

Key Points from the Statement

• Berset emphasized the critical need to preserve the impartiality of the ECHR.
• He urged Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other European leaders to avoid exerting political pressure on the court.
• The ECHR’s role in protecting human rights across member states must remain independent from any external influence.

Context and Implications

The statement highlights ongoing tensions between national governments and European institutions, especially regarding migration issues. The ECHR has recently faced scrutiny for rulings that have triggered controversy in various countries, underscoring the delicate balance between national sovereignty and supranational judicial authority.

The Council of Europe stresses that the rule of law and judicial independence are foundational pillars of democracy. Protecting these principles is essential to ensure that justice and human rights continue to prevail across the continent.

Politicians and the European public alike are reminded of the importance of respecting the court’s role as the guardian of human rights in Europe.

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