Moldova probes abuse linked to amnesty law changes
Amendments to Moldova’s Amnesty Law in 2022 and 2023 have created significant risks and vulnerabilities in the justice and penitentiary systems, which were later exploited by certain officials, President Maia Sandu stated.
In a public address, she called for a thorough investigation into the individuals responsible for these abuses and demanded full accountability.
"Based on the analysis conducted so far, the amendments to the Amnesty Law introduced risks and vulnerabilities—vulnerabilities that were exploited by various actors within the system. It is essential that this investigation is carried out fully and rigorously to hold accountable those responsible—whether from the justice sector or the penitentiary system," said Sandu.
The president emphasized that authorities must also examine why such legislative changes were introduced without a prior risk assessment, especially given that the justice reform remains incomplete and persistent issues continue within the National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP).
"We must understand why the law was changed, why these amendments were introduced without a risk analysis—particularly in a context where we all know the justice system is not fully reformed. We also know that within the ANP, there are still cases where responsibilities are not being properly fulfilled. Both the origin and the consequences of these decisions must be analyzed," she stated.
Addressing concerns about public safety, President Sandu reassured citizens that "state institutions are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of citizens during this period."
The amendments to the Amnesty Law—initially passed to mark 30 years of Moldova’s independence—along with changes to the Criminal Code that opened the door for the release of several inmates serving life sentences, have become some of the most debated and controversial topics in recent weeks.
Amid the fallout, MP Olesea Stamate was expelled from the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). It remains unclear whether she will continue to be part of the party's parliamentary group, with PAS leader and Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu stating that a decision will be made "in the coming days."
Meanwhile, following a request from the Prosecutor General, the Constitutional Court suspended the provisions allowing life sentences to be commuted to 30 years. Shortly afterward, Parliament urgently passed legislation—approved in two readings—stipulating that those whose sentences had already been commuted from life imprisonment to 30 years will no longer be eligible to request a further sentence reduction in court.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
