The Association of Judges of Moldova Condemned Recean’s Criticism of Chisinau Court of Appeal Representatives

The Association of Judges of Moldova called unacceptable the attacks on judges after Prime Minister Dorin Recean’s statement criticizing the decision of the judges of the Chisinau Court of Appeal (CA). The day before, the judges had cancelled the decision of the Commission for Emergency Situations to exclude the Chance party from the elections. The prime minister urged citizens to “remember the names of these judges” and said that they were trying to prevent the Commission for Emergency Situations from suppressing the offence activity of criminal groups that tried to disrupt the electoral process in Moldova. The Association of Judges considered the prime minister’s statement as an attack on the judiciary and said that such actions were unacceptable. “Prime Minister Recean’s statements, by which he referred to the decision of CA judges Catherine Palanciuc, Veronica Negra and Inna Dudca, are a serious violation of the principle of separation of powers in the state and the independence of the judiciary… We emphasize that the independence of the judiciary is the fundamental basis of any rule of law. Attacks on judges, whether verbal, by representatives of the executive or other authorities, undermine public confidence in the judiciary and can have a detrimental effect on the impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary,” the Association of Judges said. The self-governing body of judges called on all public authorities to cooperate within the framework of the law and mutual respect to guarantee fair and impartial justice for all citizens. “In connection with the incident, the Association of Judges of Moldova will notify not only the embassies accredited in Moldova, but also the national and international media about the serious violations, in order to inform the world community about the current situation and request support in defense of democratic principles and independence of the judiciary,” the Association said in a press release signed by the Association’s chair, Victor Sandu. Prime Minister Dorin Recean, at today’s cabinet meeting, sharply condemned the decision of the Chisinau Court of Appeal (CA) to cancel the decision of the Commission for Emergency Situations to exclude the Chance party from the electoral campaign in the last local elections. According to prime minister, the state will not simply watch criminal groups close to Moscow carry out their offence activities in the country. Recean urged citizens to remember the names of the judges who made this decision and listed them. According to him, the Court of Appeal cancelled in vain the decision of the Commission for Emergency Situations, aimed at preventing the offence activity of criminal groups planning to disrupt the electoral process in Moldova. He added that the state will intervene whenever there is a threat to national security.