CCCEC has certain experience and it’s a pity to waste it, NGO

Of all the law enforcement bodies, the Center for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime (CCCEC) is the most trusted by the people, according to surveys, said Galina Bostan, head of the Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Corruption (CAPC) and civil society expert in the justice reform. “They discuss role of this institution and this is normal because until 2009 they considered it a kind of political cudgel,” Galina Bostan stated for Info-Prim Neo. According to the CAPC head, initially they intended to liquidate the CCCEC, but decided to reform it later because it already has certain experience and it’s a pity to waste it. “The CCCEC understood what advantages the cooperation with civil society gives and benefits from this cooperation. A part of the duties of this institution will be transferred to the Ministry of the Interior, but I don’t know if this is the best solution,” said Galina Bostan. She warned that the mentality of the prosecution officers represents a problem. These officers are usually persons with special ranks and it is very important that they understand where they should be independent in fulfilling their duties and where there must be administrative subordination. “These things should be cultivated so that the officers know that they must obey only the law during prosecution. It is hard, but there should be instituted mechanisms,” said Galina Bostan. “Moldova is not and will not be ready for changes, but this does not mean that nothing should be done.” At the end of May, experts monitoring the reformation of the CCCEC proposed strengthening the institution’s independence within the Government or its subordination to Parliament. They also suggested modifying the procedure for appointing and dismissing the Center’s head. The draft strategy for reforming the CCCEC includes a number of recommendations for amending the legislation and providing guarantees for ensuring the Center’s independence and control on the part of society.