Bejko: A “war of powers” over the Criminal Code — the aim is to strip SPAK of its special status

Analyst Roland Bejko, a guest on ABC News’s “Real Story” programme, commented on the proposed changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Bejko described the changes as part of a clash between powers, raising concern about the involvement of interest groups in the drafting process. He stressed that the justice reform needs adjustments, but that they should be discussed with prosecutors, lawyers and other actors in the system.

In particular, Bejko focused on the new relationship between SPAK, the GJKKO and the rest of the justice system. “It is a war of powers. They want to preserve to the maximum the conveniences of their own work. What worries me in this whole situation is how a law is changed, how an intervention is made — interest groups are not always included. The prosecutors say they have not been asked, and neither have the lawyers. In that sense, interest groups must be asked. Everything that comes from the exchange of views proves good things. The justice reform has been approved since 2016 and these problems have been there for years. Is there a need for adjustments to be made? Absolutely there is. This has been done to build a new relationship mainly with SPAK, then with the GJKKO, then with the rest of society. What could be spoiled is that SPAK, with everything that is being done, is to have that ‘special’ taken away from it and be left as just a prosecution office,” Bejko said.