The Antwerp Court of Appeal rejected a request to challenge two judges in the Costa case on September 29, 2025. The defense argued that the court’s composition lacked objectivity, affecting the impartiality of the judges.
Judges’ Impartiality Concerns
The defense attorneys for the accused, Geert Frisson, claimed that the composition of the court was not established based on objective criteria. They argued that this situation compromised the ability of two judges to remain impartial and independent in their judgments.
However, the Court of Appeal did not agree with this assessment. According to the court, “It appears that the change in the composition of the judges was not motivated by any reasons other than the needs of proper administration of justice.”
Legal Implications
This ruling reinforces the importance of maintaining judicial integrity in legal proceedings. The court’s decision indicates that challenges to judicial composition must be substantiated with clear evidence of bias or impropriety. The rejection of the challenge emphasizes the court’s commitment to fair trial principles.
