Moldovan PM criticises judges again: Judicial independence concerns
During a government meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dorin Recean decided once again to name two magistrates and criticise them for their decisions.
Despite facing criticism the last time he did this, Recean stated that he does not care and will react as necessary. The Association of Judges of the Republic of Moldova (AJRM) accuses Recean of interference and calls on embassies and the Superior Council of Magistracy to take action.
This time, the Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the rulings made by the Vice-President of the Chișinău Court, Buiucani headquarters, Angela Catană, and magistrate Ludmila Beșliu.
"We have Judge Angela Catană who ruled that the National Bank is responsible in the bank fraud case, where prosecutors accuse decision-makers from the NBM who allowed and contributed to the billion-dollar theft. We also have Judge Ludmila Beșliu who decided that the case of a defendant in the billion-dollar theft, namely Vlad Plahotniuc, should be merged into a larger case. I have said very clearly, I will continue to name names, that's what I will do from now on, regardless of any protests and dissatisfaction from various associations," stated Dorin Recean.
The Association of Judges of the Republic of Moldova expresses concern about the repeated criticisms made by Prime Minister Dorin Recean against certain judges. In a issued statement, the institution appeals to Recean and asks him to refrain from such statements that could compromise the independence and integrity of the judicial system. Furthermore, the Association of Judges requests that the embassies accredited in our country and the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) take note of these attacks.
At the same time, the CSM requests refraining from publicly exposing the names of judges when presenting conclusions on judicial decisions.
Additionally, the institution expressed concern about the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova's repeated statements made during the Government meeting regarding the actions of certain judges.
"The CSM once again emphasises that the independence of the judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law and is essential for the functioning of democracy and the respect for human rights. Judicial power is exercised only by the judiciary through the judge, the sole bearer of this power," the statement reads.
This is not the first time Prime Minister Dorin Recean has made such statements against judges. Previously, during another Government meeting, Recean publicly named the magistrates of the Chișinău Court of Appeal who annulled a decision of the Commission for Exceptional Situations, which had banned the "Chance" party. Dorin Recean then accused the judges of annulling a decision that had curtailed the activity of a criminal group and its interference in the electoral process. On that occasion as well, the Association of Judges of the Republic of Moldova condemned the Prime Minister's statements and accused him of interference in the judicial system.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
