Cape Verde prosecutors warn against politicizing justice
The ASSIMP union expressed concern over the Interior Minister's public statements regarding the "Shark" operation.
The Association of Trade Union of Public Prosecutors (ASSIMP) in Cape Verde issued a statement on Thursday, November 5, expressing concern over public declarations made by the Minister of Internal Administration on November 4. The minister had stated that no case would be "shelved" going forward and questioned why arrests related to the "Shark" operation only occurred in 2026, despite phone interceptions from 2016 and 2017.
ASSIMP stated that public comments from government officials on ongoing legal cases carry significant institutional weight and can undermine public trust in the justice system. The association emphasized that criminal investigations and prosecutions are the exclusive domain of the Public Ministry, which operates autonomously and is bound only by law. They argue that political powers should not publicly scrutinize or direct the timing of judicial proceedings.
The union rejected any insinuation that legal processes are influenced by political convenience, asserting that the timing of investigative actions depends solely on technical and legal reasons. ASSIMP also called for responsible exercise of freedom of expression, particularly from government officials, to uphold the independence of the judiciary and public confidence in justice.
Why it mattersCape Verdean citizens may lose faith in their justice system if they perceive political interference in legal proceedings.