The head of state in Chad, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has publicly supported the country’s Security Minister following a formal complaint lodged by magistrates against the minister for comments deemed offensive to the judiciary.
‘’In any democracy, freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, whether exercised by ordinary citizens or public officials, provided it adheres to existing legal frameworks. When magistrates tasked with upholding justice reject all forms of critique, it undermines the very foundations of our social contract,’’ the President remarked.
This stance led him to announce his decision to step down from presiding over the Superior Council of the Judiciary, signaling a clear commitment to judicial independence.
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno further clarified that the Security Minister’s remarks did not constitute a blanket criticism of the justice system or all magistrates. ‘’It is essential to distinguish between legitimate debate and actions that undermine the principles of justice and ethics,’’ he emphasized.
The President also acknowledged the role of unions in democratic societies but cautioned against their use to justify behavior that contradicts the values of fairness and integrity.
Earlier, a widely circulated video showed the Security Minister strongly condemning certain court rulings, alleging they fostered falsehoods. He vowed to ‘’discredit’’ what he referred to as ‘’fraudulent orders.’’
