The independence of the judiciary in Moldova is perceived differently by professionals in the field. While judges and prosecutors consider themselves independent for the most part, lawyers are more reserved about how independent the judiciary is, according a survey published by the Moldovan Legal Resources Center (CRJM).

According to the survey, 91% of judges, 76% of prosecutors and 52% of lawyers agree with the statement that judges are independent. At the same time, 56% of judges, 67% of prosecutors and only 33% of lawyers agree that prosecutors are independent.

Asked if they agree with the statement that judges’ decisions are passed without outside influence – 91% of judges said they strongly agree or somewhat agree. This perception drops to 78% and 51% among prosecutors and lawyers, respectively.

62% of judges, 78% of prosecutors and 33% of lawyers more or less agree with the statement that prosecutors act without outside influences.

The more positive perception of judges persists even when it is stated that they apply the law equally to all, with 94% of judges agreeing with this statement. Approval of that statement drops to 67% among prosecutors and 42% among lawyers.

84% of prosecutors and 75% of judges support the statement that prosecutors apply the law equally to everyone. At the same time, almost 70% of lawyers disagree with the statement that prosecutors apply the law equally to everyone.

When asked about who influences judges’ decisions, legal professionals pointed to politicians, the press, and other actors. In the perception of judges, prosecutors and lawyers, the prosecutors’ actions are influenced mainly by politicians, the National Anticorruption Center, the General Prosecutor’s Office, but also by the media. However, according to the respondent judges and prosecutors, the magnitude of such influence is quite limited.