Controversial judge Mihail Diaconu found dead in Chișinău
Former judge Mihail Diaconu was found dead this morning, at approximately 7:30 a.m., under a bridge in the capital, with a gunshot wound to the head.
The information was officially confirmed by the Police of the Republic of Moldova and the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM).
According to the Police, a firearm used in the incident was also found nearby, which the 52-year-old legally owned.
"A firearm used in the incident was found nearby, which he legally owned. No other injuries were found on the body's surface," the Police reported.
Law enforcement officials have ordered several expert analyses, including forensic and ballistics reports, to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.
On Tuesday, August 12, the CSM extended its condolences to the former judge's family.
"The Superior Council of Magistracy expresses its profound regret over the tragic death of former judge Mihail Diaconu. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the circumstances of this case. Until the investigation is complete, the CSM will not make any further comments," the CSM's message read.
It's worth noting that Mihail Diaconu served as a magistrate at the Chișinău Court, Buiucani branch, and the Chișinău Court of Appeal. He was a subject in two pending criminal cases of influence peddling. On July 1, 2025, the Superior Council of Magistracy accepted the report of the External Commission for the Evaluation of Financial and Ethical Integrity. The report found that Diaconu had failed the vetting process and, as a result, he was removed from his judicial position for a period of seven years.
Mihail Diaconu was under criminal investigation for allegedly soliciting money in exchange for influencing his wife's access to studies at the National Institute of Justice for an attorney's wife. Additionally, in the second case, Diaconu was accused of allegedly influencing some fellow judges to apply a more lenient precautionary measure in a criminal case.
Diaconu pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Mihail Diaconu was also involved in the trials of young people who participated in the protests of April 7–8, 2009. At that time, Diaconu went to the General Police Commissariat, where he approved all nine requests from a prosecutor to apply pre-trial detention to the detained individuals, including minors. These actions were controversial, with human rights organizations documenting cases of torture and ill-treatment of the young people tried in commissariats.
In 2010, Diaconu stated that his actions were "for the good of society," mentioning that he had arrested individuals who were allegedly involved in "violent incidents."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
