The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) will receive Marseille magistrates “next week” after tense exchanges with Eric Dupond-Moretti

Christophe Soulard, first president of the Court of Cassation who, in this capacity, chairs the plenary formation of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, announces that the CSM will receive “next week” the four magistrates targeted by criticism of the Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti, on the sidelines of a trip “XXL net square” in Marseille, Franceinfo learned.

The four Marseille magistrates had been targeted by criticism from the Minister of Justice, who had criticized them for comments made before a Senate commission of inquiry. An investigating judge notably declared that she feared “losing the war against traffickers in Marseille”while the government launched vast operations “XXL net square” to fight drug trafficking. The Minister of Justice, during his trip to Marseille, received them in a very tense atmosphere.

“Objectify what was said in this closed session”

The four magistrates in question accepted the CSM’s proposal and will therefore be heard next week. Christophe Soulard explains the approach as follows: “We want to objectify what was said in closed session and indicate to the magistrates that the CSM is there to hear them. They spoke under oath before the Senate commission of inquiry and it was normal for them to say this. what they know and what they think. Despite their duty of confidentiality, they must be able to exercise their freedom of expression in public debate.”

The first president of the Court of Cassation adds that “if there were to be pressure, I trust my fellow Marseille magistrates not to let their conduct be dictated in the fight against drug trafficking and not to be sensitive to a speech that would be too simplistic. The CSM must be, whatever it may be, in support of these magistrates.”