EU AMBASSADOR BELIEVES DEPORTATION OF TURKISH TEACHERS ANNIHILATED CITIZENS' TRUST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

The deportation of 7 Turkish teachers from Moldova in 2018 annihilated Moldova citizens' trust in the law enforcement here, believes Ambassador Peter Michalko, the Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

Speaking at the European Dialogues conference held at news agency Infotag on Monday, the diplomat stated that such a violation of human rights is just impermissible.

"That step annihilated Moldova citizens' trust in the law enforcement agencies. If such a violation was committed that ruined people's destinies, it is necessary to find out those who did all that, so as citizens could feel sure that such things will never repeat", stated Ambassador Peter Michalko.

The diplomat also touched on the one-billion-dollar bank fraud, having called it "one of the main reasons of the concern being felt not only by Moldova's development partners but also by citizens, who are waiting that personalities concerned will be brought to responsibility and the stolen money - returned to the country".

"This will become a test for trust to the Moldovan judiciary system. However, not a single of the people concerned has been put to prison yet. And we can see how court sessions on the bank fraud investigation are adjourned for dozens of times", said Ambassador Michalko.

In his words, it is very important for the European Union to see that its partners in Moldova demonstrate their real political will with respect to the judiciary reform because the country will thus be moving forward faster.

"The judiciary plays a key role in this. The people must feel equal before the law. And they must know that there are no corrupt officials working in courts and the Prosecution Service.