The Superior Magistracy Council (SMC) today quashed the decision of the Disciplinary College to dismiss Supreme Court Chairman Ion Muruianu, Info-Prim Neo reports. Ion Muruianu pleaded not guilty before the Magistracy Council and claimed the action taken against him was political retaliation. After two hours of deliberation, Justice Minister Alexandru Tanase, who reported to the Disciplinary Commission Muruianu's alleged infringements, recalled an old saying: “Ravens do not peck each other's eyes out”, adding that today's decision was predictable. Commenting on Muruianu's statement about political retaliation, Tanase said he saw no reason for such. “It wasn't I who made wicked statements over time, it wasn't the political parties which are today in government that passed a multitude of dubious rulings and it isn't them that are responsible for what happens today in the judicial system”, said Tanase, adding that today society was given a slap through this decision. Council Chairman Dumitru Visterniceanu revealed there were dissenting opinions among the SMC members about today's decision. The decision can be appealed within 15 days.