The Chadian Head of State, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has publicly supported the country’s Minister of Public Security following a formal complaint filed by magistrates over statements deemed insulting to their profession.
In a firm declaration, the President emphasized that democratic principles guarantee freedom of expression for all citizens, including public officials, as long as it aligns with existing legal frameworks. He cautioned that when judges entrusted with public duties reject constructive criticism, it risks undermining the foundational pillars of the nation’s social contract.
This stance prompted the President to announce his decision to no longer preside over the Superior Council of the Judiciary, signaling a shift in executive oversight of the judicial system.
Minister’s remarks do not target the justice system as a whole
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno went further to clarify that the Minister of Public Security did not criticize the justice system in its entirety, nor did he disparage all magistrates collectively. He stressed the importance of healthy debate within a democratic framework, while cautioning against justifying actions that violate ethical standards or compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
Earlier reports highlighted a widely circulated video in which the Minister of Public Security forcefully condemned certain court rulings, accusing them of inadvertently fostering false claims. He declared his readiness to challenge what he referred to as ‘fraudulent orders’, a statement that sparked the legal response from the judiciary.
