An Exclusive Interview with Prosecutor General Martine Solovieff
As the retirement of Prosecutor General Martine Solovieff approaches in early 2025, she recently sat down with RTL Radio for a comprehensive discussion covering various topics ranging from police authority to court procedures and government decisions.
Concerns Over Expanded Police Authority
During the interview, Solovieff expressed apprehensions regarding the proposed expansion of police powers to remove individuals from public spaces, known as “Platzverweis.” She highlighted the potential dangers of relying on subjective assessments by individual police officers and questioned the effectiveness of the proposal, especially in cases involving individuals without fixed residences.
- Solovieff anticipates a critical opinion from the State Council on the proposal.
- She challenged Minister Gloden’s assertions about drug-related crime cases.
- The prosecutor general emphasized the need for proper allocation of resources to handle major cases.
Caritas Scandal Update
Solovieff refrained from delving into specifics but shed light on the complexities of handling financial crime cases, such as the Caritas scandal. She highlighted the time-consuming nature of analyzing thousands of transactions and the challenges posed by obtaining information from foreign entities promptly.
The Belgian Model for Court Efficiency
Solovieff proposed reevaluating the role of examining magistrates to reduce court delays, citing the efficiency of the Arlon prosecutor’s office in Belgium as a potential model. She suggested that the Belgian system could inspire accelerated procedures aimed at addressing court waiting times in Luxembourg.
Addressing Staffing and Space Challenges
Solovieff underscored the need for broader recruitment efforts within the judiciary to address staffing concerns. She also highlighted the pressing issue of space constraints, advocating for the construction of a new judicial facility to meet current needs.
Retirement and Succession
As Solovieff prepares to retire on 1 February 2025, she reflected on her career, expressing gratitude to former Justice Minister Felix Braz for her appointment. John Petry has been named as her successor, recommended by the National Justice Council.
Begging Ban Implementation Critique
Solovieff criticized the government’s decision to reassign criminal police for enforcing the begging ban, labeling it as indirect political interference. She raised concerns about the lack of consultation with the public prosecutor’s office and expressed relief that the government reconsidered its stance.
Overall, the interview with Prosecutor General Martine Solovieff sheds light on critical issues within the justice system and highlights the importance of thoughtful decision-making and resource allocation in addressing these challenges. As Solovieff prepares to pass the torch to her successor, John Petry, the focus remains on ensuring the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process in Luxembourg.