Judges’ union criticises Babiš for questioning independence of the courts

The Czech Judges’ Union has criticised Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) for questioning the independence of the courts. Commenting on the Stork’s Nest case, Babiš said the case was politicized and the verdict had been ordered.

Representatives of the judiciary have called on the prime minister either to substantiate his claims or withdraw them.

The Prague High Court ruled on the appeal in the Stork’s Nest case and has twice overturned an acquittal by the court of first instance.

In August, the Prague High Court upheld a three-year suspended sentence and a fine for Babiš’s former associate Jana Nagyová. Babiš’s prosecution is currently suspended because of his parliamentary immunity.