USA EMBASSY CONCERNED BY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF JUDGES' DECISION TO REMOVE SCM

The US Embassy to Moldova issued a press release in which it expresses concerns by the decision taken at the recent Extraordinary General Assembly of Judges to remove members from the Superior Council of Magistrates.

The document says that this is due to the reports that this decision did not adhere to appropriate legal procedure and may have been intended to block needed reform - including the external vetting of judges and prosecutors.

Meanwhile, the embassy does not exclude that the decision may be an attempt to shield judges accused of corruption from prosecution

"The US 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 press release says.

The document says that the US continues to closely follow and support efforts to reform and strengthen Moldova's justice system.

"We encourage 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 message says.

As Infotag has already reported, on Friday, September 28, the General Assembly of Judges of Moldova decided to dismiss Acting Chairman of the SCM Dorel Musteata, Victor Micu, Luiza Gafton, Petru Moraru, Nina Cernat, Anatol Galben and Anatol Pahapol (the latter was included in additional list for replacing incumbent SCM member in case of illness). Musteata said he does not accept the sitting's decision and keeps working as before. Minister of Justice Olesea Stamate and Prime Minister Maia Sandu criticized the sitting decision. The latter said that the decision was taken with gross violations of procedure, as well as that it will be challenged in court.