UNDERSTANDING THE NEW

INSTITUTIONAL CRISIS!

August 22nd, 2013

Recently, the Contentious-administrative Chamber admitted claims which seek to

separate the magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice elected in 2009, includ-

ing the four magistrates of the Constitutional Chamber (instance which has proved

to be independent and has pronounced sentences that permit Salvadorans certain

control over the acts of politicians).

These claims were admitted, although having defects in matters of substance and

form, proving that the motivation of the Contentious-administrative Chamber

could be more political than judicial in this case, falling in the game of manipu-

lating our more independent officials.

ORIGIN OF THE PROBLEM

In the last years, thanks to emblematic sentences (vote by face, prohibition of the “secret account”, cancellation of political par-

ties which did not get enough votes for surviving, nullification of double election of officers and great transparency advances)

the Constitutional Chamber has earned enemies in the Salvadoran political class.

As a reaction to these sentences, we have seen constant attempts to undermine the judicial independence:

In 2011, our congressmen approved the decree 743 which sought to tie the Constitutional Chamber´s hands.

In 2012, with the assistance of a locksmith, illegitimate congressmen and magistrates took over the Supreme Court of Jus-

tice.

The creation of a commission which investigates maliciously the appointments of the brave magistrates.

This new attempt, using another Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, seeking to separate the magistrates of their posi-

tions and to stop the advances in the POLITICAL POWER CONTROL.

WHY IS THIS SUCH A GRAVE PROBLEM?

Because the citizens are letting our guard down and getting used to these constant attacks to judicial independence.

Because the amount of technical terms makes us believe that only the lawyers lose, when the reality is that we all lose.

Because the institutions which should serve you, are being used like tools for vengeance of the officers who have acted inde-

pendently.

Because each day passed without judicial independence, is one more day in which your rights and freedoms are at risk.

WHAT SIDE DO YOU WANT TO BE ON?

The side of the Salvadorans who defend the institutions and understand that the state

governed by the rule of law is the key to progress.

The side of those who use the government for their own advantage and think that their

personal interests are more important than the institutions which protect our rights.

What is the Contentious-

administrative Chamber?

Is the court in charge of judging the le-

gality of the acts of the Public Admin-

istration.

It does not have any jurisdiction over po-

litical or government acts, as the ap-

pointment of the magistrates of the Su-

preme Court of Justice in 2009.