The Special Rapporteurship has noted that threats to judicial independence came not only from the executive or legislative branches, but also from organized crime, businesses, corporate giants and multinationals (see E/CN.4/1996/37, para. 246). Mr. García-Sayán takes particular note of how organized crime and corruption are increasingly affecting the capacity of many States and the judiciary to fulfil their duties. How these manifest and recommendations to address this growing phenomenon will be an issue of special concern in forthcoming reports.

An important issue of concern for the Special Rapporteur relates to the pressure and direct action carried out by organized crime against the judiciary to influence the decisions of judges, lawyers and prosecutors. A lack of trust in the judiciary is lethal for democracy and development and encourages the perpetuation of corruption.