A law voted by Parliament in its final reading offers suspended prosecutors, following the initiation of criminal proceedings, the opportunity to engage in private sector activities. The initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Justice, was supported by 67 deputies, reports IPN.

The new legal provisions allow prosecutors in this situation to engage in activities in the private sector, provided that these are not directly or indirectly related to the duties of the prosecutor’s office. The suspension period will not be considered as seniority in the prosecutor’s position, but will be calculated towards the total length of service.

Additionally, the law stipulates that the activity carried out during the suspension must not affect the prestige and reputation of the Prosecutor’s Office.

“It should be noted that, in the case of judges suspended from office in connection with the commencement of criminal proceedings, the prohibition of carrying out income-generating activities was removed at the proposal of Deputy Igor Chiriac, the secretary of the Legal, Appointments and Immunities Committee,” states a press release from the legislature.

According to the current legislation, the roles of prosecutor and judge are incompatible with any other public or private position, as well as with other paid or unpaid activities, with the exception of teaching, scientific activities, or those carried out in collegial bodies within public authorities or institutions.

The legislative changes will come into effect on the date of publication in the Official Gazette.