Marko Bošnjak Becomes First Slovenian President of European Court of Human Rights

On May 13, 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg elected Slovenian judge, elected, president Marko Bošnjak as its new president. Bošnjak, 50, will succeed Irish judge Síofra O'Leary and officially take office on July 2, 2024. This historic election marks the first time a Slovenian has held the prestigious position of leading the ECHR.

Why this matters: The election of Marko Bošnjak as the first Slovenian president of the ECHR signifies a milestone in Slovenia's integration into European institutions and underscores the importance ofhuman rights protection across the continent. As the ECHR's new leader, Bošnjak's commitment to upholding human rights will have a ripple effect on the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, shaping the course of human rights protection in the region.

In a statement to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), Judge Bošnjak expressed his gratitude, saying: "This is a great expression of faith by my colleagues and a recognition to Slovenia." His election represents a significant milestone for Slovenia and a testament to Bošnjak's distinguished career in the field of law.

Born on March 12, 1974, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Bošnjak graduated in law from the University of Ljubljana in 1996. He went on to work as a researcher, scientific assistant, and senior scientific assistant at the Institute of Criminology, University of Ljubljana. Bošnjak holds a master's degree and a doctorate from the same institution.

Throughout his career, Bošnjak has made significant contributions to the field of law. He served as a senior advisor to the Constitutional Court of Slovenia and as a lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Additionally, he was a member of the Council for Criminal Law at the Ministry of Justice of Slovenia and a specialized criminal lawyer.

na Bošnjak's election as president of the ECHR is a recognition of his extensive experience and expertise in the legal field. As the first Slovenian to hold this esteemed position, he brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to upholding human rights across Europe. His leadership at the ECHR is expected to strengthen the court's role in protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

The European Court of Human Rights, established in 1959, is an international court that rules on individual or state applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. As president, Bošnjak will play a crucial role in guiding the court's decisions and ensuring its continued effectiveness in safeguarding human rights across the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.

Marko Bošnjak's election as the first Slovenian president of the European Court of Human Rights is a historic moment for both Slovenia and the ECHR. His extensive legal expertise, combined with his commitment to upholding human rights, positions him well to lead the court in its vital mission of protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals across Europe.

Key Takeaways

• Marko Bošnjak, a Slovenian judge, elected as new president of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
• First Slovenian to hold the position, marking a milestone in Slovenia's integration into European institutions.
• Bošnjak, 50, will succeed Irish judge Síofra O'Leary and take office on July 2, 2024.
• His election emphasizes the importance of human rights protection across the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.
• Bošnjak's leadership expected to strengthen the ECHR's role in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms.