The Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM), even if it condemns the foul language, recognizes the right to freedom of expression of the former mayor of Bălți Renato Usatîi, in the context of the statements he made about the Bălți Appeals Court judges who are examining the Elizaveta murder case. The Judicial Inspectorate that presented an informative note about this case considers the leader of the political party “Partidul Nostru” (“Our Party”) should be penalized for injury and calumny, IPN reports.

The representative of the Judicial Inspectorate, in the November 2 meeting of the SCM, said the limits of a value judgment were exceeded and, despite the right to freedom of expression, by those statements this democratic exercise was compromised. The Inspection reached the conclusion that the SCM should notify the law enforcement agencies so that these examine Renato Usatîi’ actions through the angle of a contravention – injury and calumny. According to inspectors, Renato Usatîi, being the president of a party and the mayor of Bălți municipality (when the statements were made), can be classed as opinion leader.

Minister of Justice Sergiu Litvinenco, SCM member, said the injury should not way be accepted and the state institutions should assess and classify the made statements. “I think Mister Usatîi made exaggerated statements, but even so the state institutions can examined this case,” he noted.

As a result of deliberations, the SCM decided to condemn the foul language referring to judges and to also recognize Renato Usatîi’s right to freedom of expression.

Judges Gheorghe Scutelnic, Oleg Moraru and Viorel Pușcaș of the Bălți Appeals Court complained to the SCM about Renato Usatîi’s statements, considering that they were slandered and their honor and dignity were harmed. The judges asked the Superior Council of Magistracy to assess the actions of the former mayor of Bălți, to intervene and react within their official duties.