The US Embassy in Chisinau expresses concern about reports that the recent Extraordinary General Assembly of Judges’ decision to remove judges from the Superior Council of Magistrates did not adhere to appropriate legal procedure and may have been intended to block needed reform - including the external vetting of judges and prosecutors, or to shield judges accused of corruption from prosecution, IPN reports. In a press statement, it is mentioned that the United States continues to closely follow and support efforts to reform and strengthen Moldova’s justice system.
"The United States supports the Moldovan government’s anti-corruption and justice sector reforms. Moldovans deserve a justice system that holds all individuals - including those within the system - accountable for any criminal or corrupt act.
The US Embassy encourages Moldova’s judges and prosecutors to uphold the rule of law, facilitate greater transparency within the system, and support efforts that would hold judges, prosecutors or officials responsible for their actions. Such steps will build public confidence in a legal system that works for the benefit of all Moldovans.
The General Assembly of Judges, convened on September 27, in an extraordinary meeting, decided to remove the six judges delegated to the Superior Council of Magistrates. These are the members Victor Micu, Luiza Gafton, Petru Moraru, Nina Cernat, Anatolie Galben, and Dorel Musteaţă, who is also acting chairman of the CSM. The extraordinary meeting was convened at the initiative of a group of judges by the decision of the Chisinau Court of Appeal, after the CSM rejected the magistrates' request to convene the General Assembly. On September 30, the CSM lodged an appeal, requesting the annulment of the decision of September 27. According to the CSM, "the decision is struck with nullity on the grounds that the Assembly was summoned in flagrant violation of legal provisions".
