The Moldovan justice system won't be able to reform itself over the next three years regardless of the European Union and the citizens' pressure. The opinion was voiced by lawyer Violeta Gasitoi during the “Pahomi” talk-show on Realitatea TV, IPN reports.
According to the lawyer, the level of corruption in the judiciary is still very high and the phenomenon spreads from one office to the other. “I'd like things to change in one year, but it's impossible. The clerk that accepted bribe 20 times and was caught the 21st time, will split the money with judge to be declared innocent or at least to avoid jail, and he is still left with enough money to lead a well-off life”, explained Violeta Gasitoi.
She sketched a rather pessimistic scenario if radical measures aren't taken to wipe out corruption in the judiciary. “If we don't reform the justice system and don't eradicate at least partially corruption in this field, the country will regress, will move backwards. Disappointed people will turn to the pro-Russian parties, will opt for integration in the Customs Union and this will send the country many years in the past. The risk is high and politicians should think seriously about this”, said the jurist.
Gasitoi is of the opinion that more active involvement of the mass-media will help the reform of justice. “We need maximum transparency of trials. The politicians should change the laws so that journalists could film the trials without the agreement of judges. It has been proven that when journalists attend and film some cases examined in court, the judges are more careful and responsible”, said Violeta Gasitoi.
