News

On 14 January 2026, Violeta Petkevičienė, a Board Member of the Lithuanian Judges Association (LRTA), participated in an event at the European Parliament organized by the Polish Judges Association “IUSTITIA.” The event was dedicated to commemorating the international silent march “1000 Robes” held in Warsaw on 11 January 2020 and to addressing issues of judicial independence in Europe.

On the eve of the event, 12 January 2026, a virtual seminar was held for the judicial community, where judges from Italy, Costa Rica, Tunisia, and the United States delivered reports on the challenges to judicial independence in their respective countries.

The “1000 Robes” march was originally organized in response to judicial reforms implemented in Poland after the electoral victory of the Law and Justice party, which sought to limit the powers of the courts and exert pressure on judges who had been critical of government actions. On 11 January 2020, more than 30,000 judges from 22 countries traveled to Warsaw to support their Polish colleagues and emphasize the importance of the rule of law, a legal state, and democracy in safeguarding the freedom of every citizen. The robes symbolized not only judicial solidarity but also conveyed the message that justice does not end at the courtroom door; the robe represents a judge’s independence and responsibility, serving society.

Although the Polish government has since changed, the event highlighted that the country’s legal system still requires reforms to restore the constitutional role of the National Council of the Judiciary and ensure a transparent and independent system for the appointment of judges.

During the European Parliament event, a documentary on the “1000 Robes” march was shown, followed by a discussion. Participants included the Minister of Justice of Poland, Waldemar Żurek, as well as the organizers from the Polish Judges Association “IUSTITIA” and the European Judges Association. Participants shared personal recollections and challenges encountered while organizing this international solidarity initiative.

The discussion emphasized that, in the face of growing influence of autocratic regimes worldwide, the separation of powers and an independent judiciary are more important than ever. Courts were highlighted as essential safeguards protecting citizens from state abuse, and only an independent judiciary can ensure the rule of law and the proper functioning of democracy. Concerns were expressed about attempts to reduce or limit judicial independence in foreign countries, while underscoring the importance of the rule of law and democracy. The discussion also noted that Europe currently serves as a global example of democracy. Participants stressed that courts are the only protection for citizens against state repression, and only independent courts can ensure the supremacy of law. At the same time, vigilance is necessary to ensure that the rule of law is not “put on the table” and judges are not “on the menu,” and that judicial independence must be actively defended.

“This event and the discussions held demonstrated that judicial independence is not solely a national matter—it requires ongoing international dialogue and solidarity across Europe. The ‘1000 Robes’ initiative became a collective voice of European judges, reminding us that without independent courts there can be neither the rule of law nor citizens’ trust in the state,” stated LRTA Chair Sigita Jokimaitė.

During the event, the initiative of the International Association of Judges to appeal to the United Nations was also presented, aiming to declare 11 January as International Day of Judicial Independence in the name of the “1000 Robes” marches, as a symbol of universal democratic values and a mark of respect for those who risked their freedom or life to defend judicial independence.