The society does not yet feel the changes in the legal system – interview with ombudswoman Raisa Apolschii, head of the Centre for Human Rights. SERIES OF INFO-PRIM NEO MATERIALS “HOW WAS 2007”

[ - Moldova lags behind in implementing democratic standards in the area of justice, in particular in the area of human rights. Can you characterise the developments in the area in 2007 and what are your forecasts for 2008?] The protection of the right is useless if it is not respected by an independent and impartial justice, which is a guarantee of a fair trial. Moldova’s European integration aims revealed the necessity of consolidating the judicial system. But the society does not really feel the changes in the area of justice. Unfortunately, the implemented reforms did not make the population trust the legal system more. A relevant example is the numerous applications filed by the people to the Centre for Human Rights. I’m not sure that the given situation will change radically in 2008, through a lot has been invested in this system. I think that it is not fair to blame only the legal system for the created situation. In my opinion, the quality of justice deepens greatly on the attitude of those that participate in the process of doing justice – the lawyers, prosecutors and others. [ - What were the most serious human rights violations in 2007 in your opinion?] I think that 2007 is not an exception as regards the violation of human rights. I make such an assertion on the basis of the petitions that came to the Centre for Human Rights. As in the previous years, the non-implementation of court decisions is a major problem that ultimately perverts justice. The free movement is another problem that is more often invoked lately as well as the problem of social protection. The ombudsmen have often dealt with issues concerning the consumer’s rights. [ - What concerns should be high on the Moldovan authorities’ list of priorities in 2008 in order to implement beneficial reforms in the area of justice?] I think that the implementation discipline should be improved as it very often generates violations of the human rights. No changes will occur if we do not have a better discipline.