Judicial Council Ousts Mazak as its Chair (2)

Bratislava, April 16 (TASR) - Members of the Judicial Council ousted Jan Mazak from the post of chairman on Tuesday, although he will remain a member. Ten members of the Judicial Council voted for Mazak's dismissal, two abstained and four didn't vote, with no one against. At least ten votes were needed to oust him from the post. Supporting Mazak's ouster were members Marcela Kosova, Peter Samko, Aysa Pruzinec Eren, Dana Jelinkova Dudzikova, Marian Fecik, Ludmila Joanidisova and Martin Bezak. In their view, Mazak flagrantly misused his post to collect unlawful information on judges. Mazak originally wanted to include the proposal in the agenda of the council's May session, arguing that he has the right to defend himself within a reasonable period of time. Because of this, he didn't participate in the debate and the vote of no-confidence. Mazak claims that he is being blamed for something that is actually fully within his powers and signalled that he will turn to the Constitutional Court. Mazak also faced the motion to dismiss him from the helm of the Judicial Council in late 2023. Nine council members at that time voted for the proposal, which was not enough to dismiss him. Three council members refrained from voting and three were against. mf