Judges call on suspect peers to step down

Around 170 judges from across Slovakia have called on their peers who are suspected of having ties to the Mafia, corruption and the misuse of the office of judge to ask for suspension. "We view it as essential that these judges do not carry out their roles until the aforementioned suspicions are duly investigated, as their morals, honour and personal integrity, which are basic prerequisites for the post of judge, have been seriously questioned," reads the call. Therefore, the signatories urge their colleagues to act to preserve trust and respect for the judiciary in Slovakia. Meanwhile, the signatories assured the public that all decent judges take a negative view of the current judicial scandals that cast doubts on the professional honour and credibility of the whole judiciary.