“Prime Minister Has No Understanding of the Core of the Principles of Justice”. Association of Judges Responded to Recean’s Statements

The Association of Judges of Moldova has commented on yesterday’s statements by the Prime Minister, who qualified the justice officials who are not happy with the reform of the system as an illegal corrupt minority. “We call on the entire political class to refrain from the statements that may impair public trust in the judicial system and compromise the independence and impartiality of justice,” the Association of Judges said, urging the authorities not to label the justice system. “We remind that justice is one of the foundations of democracy, and its independence and impartiality are essential for the normal functioning of a state based on the rule of law. The prime minister’s words show that he does not understand the essence of the principles of justice, confusing the fight against corruption with attacks on the entire judicial system,” the association said in a statement. The judges also stressed that they realize the need to keep on with the judicial reform, but demand that it be carried out in line with the principles of justice. It all started after the Supreme Court of Justice two weeks ago sided with 21 judges and prosecutors who failed the financial and ethical integrity assessment. Later on, the head of state classified these decisions as unlawful, which she said were a new attempt by the system to hamper justice reform. The statement was criticized by both the Association of Judges and the Constitutional Justice Institute.