Prosecutor Iurie Lealin, president of the Association of Prosecutors for Order and Justice, said that depoliticization would be a solution to many problems within the Prosecutor's Office. Among these issues, according to the the prosecutor, are examples of high-profile cases and crimes committed directly by politicians and high-ranking dignitaries. Criticism directed at prosecutors on these cases concerns the way or lack of investigation of these acts. However, according to Iurie Lealin, the problem lies in the political subordination of the Prosecutor's Office. Changing the prosecutor general would not solve the systemic problems.
"Yes, a new prosecutor general was elected, which certainly is an indication that there are problems concerning the subordination of the Prosecutor's Office to politicians. The activity of the Prosecutor's Office shifts its focus in a new different direction when there's a new prosecutor general or a new political regime, which indicates that, first of all, prosecutors lack functional independence and responsibility. These two notions are interrelated. Moreover, let me tell you a few things about systemic problems. When politicians come up with solutions, and I have already said enough about this, their solutions do not fit the problems. I hope that other solutions will be found", said Iurie Lealin in an interview for Radio Free Europe.
The prosecutor said that there is another side of the coin - the Prosecutor's Office is not able to admit that it faces certain challenges. If the institution had the capacity to recognize these problems and be open to solutions, there might not even be a need for bills that undermine its independence.
"Some self-governing bodies and the elections that take place within these bodies, in fact, are not really democratic, which is a problem. Personally, I have the impression that there are certain agreements that have been put in place, while the vote is a simple formality. I would like to point out that these bills, which we have managed to criticize, also hold positive amendments, such as: bill No 180 of August 10 - a pre-election campaign is made compulsory, which enables candidates of the self-administration bodies of the Prosecutor's Office to present and to explain their programs to their colleagues. A lack of campaigning discourages certain prosecutors to candidate, while it favors certain established prosecutors", said the association chair.
Iurie Lealin said that if things were to change at the structural level, if politicians were to come up with strategic solutions, people who do not wish to change will simple have to leave. "If there are no more opportunities to commit corruption, I think that they will leave the system. Additionally, as of September, as an association, we are planning to roll out certain projects", added the prosecutor.
