UPDATE: The Constitutional Court of Montenegro failed to reach a decision today on the urgent appeals of Danilo Mandic, leaving crucial legal questions unresolved. The court session, held earlier today, ended in a tie vote, preventing the judges from issuing a ruling on the detention appeals submitted for review.
This development is significant as it delays the judicial process for Mandic, who is facing serious charges. The court’s inability to secure a majority on the judges’ proposals means that the matter will not be revisited until additional judges are appointed.
The court was considering appeals related to detention orders from July, August, and September. According to the official statement, three judges argued that the court has the authority to assess the validity of the evidence presented, while two judges maintained their consistent position that only regular courts should evaluate the extent of evidence supporting the claims against Mandic.
“The quantity of facts and evidence supporting reasonable suspicion is primarily the responsibility of regular courts,” the dissenting judges stated in their remarks.
This lack of consensus highlights a significant divide within the court regarding its role in evaluating evidence and the threshold for reasonable suspicion. With no decision forthcoming, the court will have to wait for the appointment of the missing judges to reconvene for a new vote.
The implications of this delay could be substantial, not only for Mandic but also for the judicial system in Montenegro, as it raises questions about the efficiency and authority of constitutional review. Legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for prompt action to fill the vacant judicial positions.
As the situation develops, stakeholders await further announcements regarding the appointment of judges and the next steps in Mandic’s case. This is a critical moment for Montenegro’s legal landscape, and updates are expected in the coming days.
