OREANDA-NEWS. July 15, 2008. The head of state considers that the Russian judicial system is operational and can protect the rights and interests of its citizens, but nevertheless contains certain deficiencies that should be addressed.

In his view, it is necessary to further strengthen the independence of the judiciary in Russia, which is still affected by outside pressures, the use of administrative resources and, in some cases, by direct bribery.

Dmitry Medvedev also recalled the criticism from citizens concerning unreasonably long trials. Mr Medvedev noted that overcoming this problem requires systemic rather than partial measures.

The President considers the timely execution of court judgments to be a key issue. In this respect Russia lags behind European and international standards. Dmitry Medvedev suggested adopting a law governing the damages incurred by citizens as a result of violations of their rights in the judicial process as one measure to remedy this situation.

President of Russia also stressed that corruption in the judicial system is extremely dangerous. In this regard, he said that officials must reconsider the issue of the education and training of judges.

The meeting was attended by heads of Russia's highest judiciary bodies and representatives of the Presidential Executive Office.