The persons with hearing impairments are vulnerable in courts of law as they do not benefit from justice that would ensure the observance of human rights. Even if the court of law is obliged to provide a sign language interpreter for them, this is most often not done.
In a news conference at IPN, executive director of the Center of Legal Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Vitalie Mester said the Republic of Moldova pledged to ensure the basic human rights, regardless of religion, language, sex, ethnicity or disability of the person and the notaries, judges and lawyers are those who should act in accordance with the law.
In the conference, there was related the case of Vera Cebotari, who one day was told by a bailiff that she must leave her apartment. Even if she was a party in a trial, the woman didn’t benefit from the services of a sign language interpreter in the process and thus could not defend herself in court.
Lawyer Alexandru Cebanas said a number of applications were filed, including to the Prosecutor’s Office, to determine the legality of the actions taken by those involved in the case of Vera Cebotari. “There are no explanations why sign language interpreters are not provided in courts of law at a time when the Constitution guarantees this right and there are authorized sign language interpreters in the Republic of Moldova. The court decision execution took place also without a sign language interpreter. We filed a lawsuit and demand to annul a number of documents and to examine the actions of players involved in this case,” stated the lawyer.
Ala Bargan, specialist of the Association of the Deaf of the Republic of Moldova, said the presence of sign language interpreters in court is very important. Even if these are not enough as there are only 17 authorized interpreters, it is possible to ensure their presence at all the hearings where their assistance is needed. The court should only ask for this one week or two weeks before the trial.
About 300-400 persons with disabilities ask for legal assistance services annually.
