<h1>Central bank independence affirmed amid threats of criminal charges against Fed Chair and warnings against politicising monetary policy.</h1> Affirmation of central bank independence by nine national central bank heads and BIS officials, responding to Justice Department activity and threats of prosecution tied to the Fed Chair's testimony. The statement stresses that independence is essential for price, financial and economic stability, must be preserved with respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability, and warns that politicising monetary policy would damage credibility and provoke adverse market responses.