In response to a formal complaint filed by magistrates against the Public Security Minister over remarks deemed disrespectful to their profession, Chad’s Head of State, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has publicly backed his minister’s stance.
Addressing the matter in a firm yet measured tone, the President emphasized that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any democratic system, applying equally to citizens and public officials, as long as it adheres to established legal frameworks. He cautioned that when judges, entrusted with public duties, reject constructive criticism, it undermines the very foundations of our collective social contract.
In a move reflecting his commitment to judicial independence, the President announced his decision to step down from presiding over the Superior Council of the Judiciary. This gesture underscores the delicate balance between executive authority and the autonomy of the judiciary.
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno went further to clarify a critical distinction: the Public Security Minister did not criticize the justice system as a whole, nor did he disparage all magistrates. Instead, his comments targeted specific judicial decisions, which he argued risked legitimizing false claims.
Highlighting the role of unions in preserving democratic values, the President acknowledged that while trade unions play a vital part in governance, defending individual rights must never extend to endorsing actions that violate ethical standards or undermine the pursuit of justice.
Earlier, a widely circulated video captured the Minister’s impassioned remarks, in which he condemned certain court rulings, declaring his readiness to ‘reject false orders’ he believed enabled deceitful practices.
