The Soroca Prosecutor's Office has launched a regional room for hearing minors. The second such facility in the country, it will be used to interview witnesses or victims under 14 years of age in cases involving sexual abuse, domestic violence, or trafficking in persons, the Office said in a press release.
Besides Soroca's prosecutors, the facility can be also used by prosecutors from the neighboring districts of Drochia, Floresti, Glodeni and Donduseni.
By making it possible to hear minor witnesses and victims in specially designed, secure locations the prosecutors intend to avoid their re-victimization. The child can talk to the specialist in a friendly and safe environment, while other participants in the proceedings can follow from a separate room equipped with video and audio recording and live transmission devices.
The master copies of the witnesses' accounts are kept by the courts and are used as evidence. This excludes the necessity of having the minor witnesses physically present in court.
The first regional facility for hearing minors was opened by the Calarasi Prosecutor's Office. In the near future, such facilities will be opened in the districts of Anenii Noi, Cahul, Leova and Ocnita as well. The U.S. Embassy and the IOM Mission are helping to furnish and equip these rooms.
