The visit included a High Level Dialogue between the Prosecutor General at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Mr. Edwin Bleichrodt, and the HIJ Unit of Inspectors and Assistant Inspectors, on the topic “Judicial Accountability and Inspection Standards”. During the dialogue, the Dutch and Albanian experiences in inspecting the justice system were discussed extensively and practices and approaches concerning professional standards and judicial accountability mechanisms were exchanged.

The objective of this strategic dialogue was to promote institutional exchange between the Office of the High Inspector of Justice of Albania and the Office of the Prosecutor General at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands on judicial accountability, inspection methodologies, and systemic challenges within the justice system. Particular attention was paid to balancing judicial independence with effective oversight, improving the efficiency and quality of justice, and strengthening public trust through transparent, risk-based inspection practices in accordance with European rule of law standards.

Drawing on his experience leading a body of 22 general advocates that exercises powers in the area of oversight and disciplinary proceedings against judges, the Prosecutor General at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Mr. Edwin Bleichrodt, presented specific working models and institutional practices. In his remarks, he focused on judicial accountability as a complement to judicial independence, as well as on European Union rule of law standards. He also addressed the importance of identifying systemic issues beyond the individual responsibility of magistrates, as an approach that contributes to improving the functioning of the justice system.

The discussions highlighted similarities between the practice of the Office of the High Inspector of Justice and the Dutch model, particularly regarding the manner in which inspections are planned and determined, based on issues identified through submitted complaints and on risk analysis.

The meeting was organized within the framework of the MATRA project of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as part of the “Strengthening Judicial Integrity” project, which is implemented by the Dutch Training and Study Centre for the Judiciary.

High Inspector of Justice said in a press release that the new justice body has  over 3700 complaints filed for judges and prosecutors, most of them accumulated over years and forwarded by institutions as; the High Council of Justice, the High Judicial Council, the High Prosecution Council, the General Prosecutor and the Ministry of Justice.

The review of complaints is done according to a working methodology approved by the High Inspector of Justice (Order no. 65, dated 28.09.2020 and Order no. 98, dated 12.11.2020), which regulates the manner of re-evaluation, categorization and level of priority in treatment. Giving citizens a timely response to their complaints, regardless of the time or institution when and they filed them, remains a priority for the office of HIJ.

The HIJ office has facilitated the complaining process, which can be done in three ways. The complaint can be filed electronically, by filling the complaint form and sending it to the official e-mail, which is available on the official website of HIJ; by mail, or by coming in person at the HIJ Office to complete and submit the form. The process of submitting complaints to the HIJ takes place every day of the week, from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 14:00. Each complainant, if needed, is assisted by the Complaints Sector staff.

The High Inspector of Justice urges citizens, institutions, media and civil society organizations to continue to contribute in denouncing facts or violations that may be committed by magistrates.

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