Professional Secrecy is a Red Line: New Warnings from the Ministry of Justice

Official warnings from the Minister of Justice regarding “professional secrecy” in courts

In a move reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing integrity and protecting the personal data of users, the Minister of Justice has issued a firm circular to regional directors and heads of court registries. The circular reminds staff of their legal and professional obligations, declaring “professional secrecy” a red line that must not be crossed.

The professional oath and the duty of confidentiality

The Minister emphasized that registry staff, bound by the oath taken upon entering the profession, are obligated to perform their duties with loyalty and diligence. He noted that honorable conduct requires preserving all information and documents accessed during the course of duty, and refraining from leaking any data that could undermine public trust in the justice system.

Severe penalties await violators

The circular stresses the necessity of avoiding the photographing or sharing of documents with “third parties” by any illegal means. The Ministry clarified that any leak or unauthorized access to judicial files is considered a grave breach of administrative obligations. It also confirmed that the Ministry will not tolerate any transgression, which may result in criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary action against the offending employee.

The dividing line between professional secrecy and the right to information

The Ministry clarified that the boundaries between the obligation of professional secrecy and the right to access information are clearly defined by law. Accordingly, all employees must fully adhere to these regulations and ensure they are communicated to all subordinates to avoid any potential legal consequences.