Minister of Justice Sergiu Litvinenco dissociated himself from the vote by which the MPs named Dorel Musteață and Nina Cernat judges of the Supreme Court of Justice. It happens after the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office announced that the SIS’ note concerning the property of the two serves as a reason for taking legal action. The minister said only the external assessment of judges and prosecutors will ensure authentic cleanup in the system, IPN reports.

Yesterday, the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office announced that it started to verify the information presented by the Security and Intelligence Service concerning the property of judges Nina Cernat and Dorel Musteață. The actions of the two can fall under unjust enrichment.

“The clearing of the system can start only by implementing the external assessment of judges and prosecutors. We worked out a concept that was put up for public debates. We are having discussions with the Venice Commission. This initiative will clean up the system. The appointment of these persons was the Parliament’s decision. These judges are named at the Supreme Court of Justice, which will be the first institution subject to assessment. If the judges of this court are found to be dishonest, they will be excluded from the system,” Sergiu Litvinenco stated in the talk show “Shadow Cabinet” on JurnalTV channel.

The minister noted an assessment commission will be set up and an international mission consisting of seven members will monitor the process. Five of the members will be designated by Moldova’s foreign partners, while two by civil society.

“The decision on the extraordinary assessment is an assumed decision endorsed by the citizens. It is irrevocable. We want the judges to be part of the reform and not to oppose this reform. The assessment commission will be made up of three international experts assigned by the foreign partners and of three national experts. I hope this bill will be adopted by Parliament by the end of this year,” said Sergiu Litvinenco.

According to the concept, the assessment will focus on the professionalism and integrity of prosecutors and judges. The Ministry of Justice assured that the document will be passed by Parliament only after the Venice Commission pronounces on it.