Prosecutors ask journalists for written complaint before investigating violations of public order in central park

Prosecutors are asking journalists for a complaint in writing before initiating investigations into violations of public order in Chisinau's central park “Stefan cel Mare”. In response to Info-Prim Neo's query about the practice of illegal car parking and driving in this recreational area and about the actions by the police and municipal authorities to deter such practices, the representatives of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Municipal Prosecutor's Office and the Centru District Prosecutor's Office said a written complaint was needed to initiate an investigation. “In this case you need to file a complaint in writing so that the prosecutor can go to the scene and make investigations; otherwise I can't help you”, said Natalia Botnaru, spokesperson for the Municipal Prosecutor's Office. When asked who can help instead, Ms Botnaru replied the prosecutor's office doesn't offer consultancy services. The Centru District Prosecutor's Office also failed to offer information, saying their spokesperson was on a leave. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, the head of the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office, Maria Vieru, explained that the problem could be solved by Chisinau Prosecutor Sergiu Croitoru. Info-Prim Neo published on Saturday, June 20, a story on how a number of drivers made a habit of entering Stefan cel Mare and parking their cars there in defiance of law and ignoring the fact that, in doing so, they might hurt one of the many children playing in this popular park. To reach the territory of the park, those drivers somehow manage to cross some 200 meters of pavement along the Parliament building without being stopped by anyone, and some of the cars are even left parked overnight. Asked to comment on the situation, the representatives of the City Hall and of the municipal police admitted then that some drivers dared to enter the park defying the law. The police also said the case was “being investigated”. But on Monday the situation remained unchanged, while the police again promised to handle it.