The High Inspector of Justice, Mr. Artur Metani, held a working visit to London to the justice institutions dealing with the inspection and disciplinary process of magistrates and to the British Foreign Office. Mr. Metani was accompanied by a team from HIJ and by the Ambassador of Albania to the United Kingdom, Mr. Uran Ferizi.
At the H M Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI), the High Inspector of Justice was hosted by the Chief Inspector, Mr. Anthony Rogers.
The two interlocutors focused on sharing good practices between institutions and the role that the inspection process has in the efficiency of the justice system for promoting transparency and impartiality, in the service of public trust.
Further, Mr. Metani and the delegation accompanying him held working sessions with the team of the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI). Deputy Chief Inspector Ms. Lisa Morris gave a presentation on the HMCPSI Service. The inspection process, thematic inspections and follow-up inspections were presented by Senior Legal Inspector Mr. Colin Darroch and the Legal Inspector Ms. Leanne Townsend.
The recommendations and impact of the inspections were addressed by Mr. Rogers and Ms. Morris, responding to the HIJ team’s interest in aspects of the work and comparison with the Albanian model.
At the meeting held at the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO), the HIJ team was briefed by the Operational Director Mr. Simon Parsons and the Head of Casework at this office, Ms. Kim Webb, on all aspects of the work on investigating the conduct of British judges on behalf of the Minister of Justice and the Head of Judiciary in the United Kingdom. Similarities in the disciplinary investigation process, types of disciplinary violations and punitive measures against judges were discussed extensively during the meeting by the High Inspector of Justice, Mr. Metani, and Mr. Parson and Ms. Webb from Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.
Part of the High Inspector of Justice’s visit to London was also a meeting at the British Foreign Office with the Head of Western Balkans Department. (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), Ms. Madeline Knox.
After giving a presentation on the functions and role of the HIJ in the justice system, Mr. Metani praised the United Kingdom’s continued support for the rule of law and Albania’s European integration.
Ms. Knox noted that the relationship with Albania is very important for the United Kingdom, which has invested in this because it considers it an important partnership for the future.
Mr. Metani and Ms. Knox shared Albania’s progress in priority areas such as the fight against corruption, the rule of law and public trust in the justice system.
The High Inspector of Justice, Mr. Artur Metani and the HIJ delegation were welcomed at the Albanian Embassy in London by Ambassador, Mr. Uran Ferizi. After thanking the Ambassador for his support in organizing this visit, Mr. Metani was informed by Mr. Ferizi about the work of our Embassy in protecting the interests of Albania and Albanians living in the United Kingdom, as well as the British contribution to the progress of our country.
