The constitutionality of dismissing Valeriu Arhip from the post of judge of the Supreme Court of Justice will be examined by the Constitutional Court today, July 25. The challenge was filed by Liberal-Democratic lawmakers Alexandru Cimbriciuc and Ion Butmalai, IPN reports.
The MPs said the given decision of Parliament does not meet the constitutional norms concerning the adoption procedure and form as well as the material aspect of standard orders. The draft decision was passed by 48 votes instead of 50. Deviations form the constitutional regulations regarding the status of judge were committed when voting the draft decision.
After a report by the Information and Security Service (SIS) revealed that the family of judge Valeriu Arhip hid their possessions, the Supreme Council of Magistrates decided that Arhip was unsuitable for the post held. In reaction, the judge tendered his resignation. But shortly afterward he changed his mind and withdrew it, asking that the Supreme Council of Magistrates review the consultative note of the SIS. However, in the sitting of December 26, 2012, the lawmakers adopted a decision by which they discharged Valeriu Arhip, at the suggestion of the Supreme Council of Magistrates.