274. He contends that the dysfunction and the numerous irregularities that have marked the investigation represent proof that his country's justice system is being exploited and that he has quite simply become a most welcome target. 275. The Applicant asserts that the Head of State himself perpetrated the confusion between his prerogatives and those of the judicial authorities by meddling in the procedure which, in the final analysis, was nothing but a mockery of a trial having resulted in a judgment of acquittal. Buttressing his allegations, the Applicant cited the terms of a press release issued on 4 May 2018 by Benin's main union of magistrates denouncing "the strangle-hold or the 'takeover'" of the judiciary by the executive . 276. The Applicant further submits that after the adoption of the law establishing CRIET, the Minister of Justice and Legislation and the Officer for Special Duties in the Office of the President of the Republic, at a press conference on 2 October 2018, and on AFRICA 24 television channels , respectively, affirmed that CRIET had jurisdiction to hear the "Ajavon case". * 277. Refuting the Applicant's allegations insinuating that the Head of State was involved in the proceedings against him, the Respondent State submits that the judiciary in Benin is independent and that the Applicant's comments calling to question the independence of the judiciary and insinuating an alleged interference by the Head of State in the said case constitutes an insult against the Head of State and casts a slur on Benin judiciary. 278 . The Respondent State also submits that Mr. Edouard LOKO did not intervene in AFRICA 24 in his capacity as the Officer for Special Duties in the Office of the President of the Republic, but rather as an ordinary citizen of Benin. It further stated that the same is true of the Minister of Justice who, as a lawyer, took the pains to make clear that Benin has "sovereign judges who had the freedom to interpret the law." I