Opinions: Moldova’s judiciary unprepared for complex cases
The justice system reform in the Republic of Moldova requires a thorough reevaluation, and the extradition of Vladimir Plahotniuc has emerged as a significant political issue. Additionally, the convictions related to the Shor case may reinforce the government's commitment to combating corruption. It was also noted that the protests in Gagauzia could subside once illegal financing is addressed, as discussed by guests on the "Public Space" program on Radio Moldova.
Valeriu Pașa, the president of the WatchDog community, stated that the justice system in the Republic of Moldova is currently not equipped to handle complex cases, and the reform needs to be reexamined rather than discarded.
"This is, unfortunately, the state of the justice system in the Republic of Moldova. We need prolonged political stability and a reevaluation of this reform because mistakes have been made. It needs to be reassessed—not completely halted or canceled—but certain aspects must be reconsidered," Pașa said.
A significant issue in the upcoming elections is related to the extradition of Vladimir Plahotniuc. The key question is whether he will return to the country, be convicted, or attempt to re-enter politics.
"Plahotniuc will be extradited to the Republic of Moldova sooner or later. However, the crucial question is: will he arrive in Moldova and be released, will we see him back in leadership roles, or will he end up in prison?" the WatchDog president emphasized.
Political analyst Victor Ciobanu believes that a potential conviction of Marina Tauber, even after the elections and following the convictions of other members of the Shor group, would validate the government's efforts in the fight against corruption.
"I believe there are two main objectives for the government and law enforcement agencies: first, to stop illegal financing; and second, to convict the leaders of this organized criminal group known as Shor. If Shor is convicted, I anticipate Tauber will also be convicted on September 30. We have already seen convictions for Nesterovschi, Lozovan, Guțul, and the leaders of the district organizations. This represents an effective fight that could yield tangible results," Ciobanu explained on Radio Moldova.
According to the analyst, the protests in Gagauzia will dissipate on their own if the financing of the Shor group is halted. He claims that the People's Assembly is merely putting on an "electoral show."
"I am confident that, once the funding for these protests is stopped, they will fade away on their own. The People's Assembly of Gagauzia is staging this performance to appease voters. The people of Gagauzia are increasingly realizing that this government has resulted in diminished autonomy, lost projects, and budgetary losses," Ciobanu noted.
Regarding the threats made by Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin about a potential deployment of Russian troops on the border with Moldova following the conviction of Bashkan Evghenia Guțul, Victor Ciobanu remarked that our country lacks effective diplomatic responses to what he described as a "terrorist state," namely the Russian Federation.
"This is a direct threat. I do not believe we have the diplomatic tools necessary, and especially, I do not think such instruments would be effective against a terrorist state like the Russian Federation. Relations will continue to be hostile," said the commentator.
Guests on the show "Spațiul Public" suggested that the Guțul, Plahotniuc, Tauber, and Platon cases are not only criminal investigations but also reflections of a system that is still caught between reform and resistance. Moreover, the upcoming autumn elections will serve as a crucial test not only for the candidates but for society as a whole.
Author: Cristina Bencheci
