Moldovan Justice falling short of necessary weight: experts

Justice should be a separate power in the state, but unfortunately this power falls short of the necessary weight. It is subject to influence and pressure on the part of the political power, which does not want to realize that the judiciary should be separated from the state and should serve the people, Valeriu Plesca, the president of a Foundation for promoting reforms in justice, security and defense (PRISA), told a round table on June 15. He opines the politicians in power try to influence the judiciary system in different ways, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The influence of the political power's part appears starting from employing workers in the judicial system. The biggest shortcomings of the judicial system are the lack of independence and corruption,” said Valeriu Plesca. According to statistics presented at the event, about 11% of the judges are affected by corruption. “In order for the Moldovan judiciary to be truly independent, it's necessary that the judges should be bolder. They should not fear that someone will call them to the party's premises to give instructions to them. The independence is not taken for granted, it must be conquered,” Plesca said. Experts recommend the authorities to improve the offices of courts so that justice is made in the public's attendance, in decent conditions, and to tie the funds allocated to the judiciary to a percentage quota of the GDP. “The financial and material demands of the judicial system must be insured fully. It's necessary to allow all the types of courts to address the Constitutional Court, and the citizens having started those requests should be allowed to attend the sessions at which they are considered,” said an independent expert Ion Creanga, a professor with the Moldova State University. According to him, it's necessary that the courts judging suits against authorities should be given the right place and role. “It's necessary to start a constitutional reform to change the way of appointing the general prosecutor, to insure the checks and balances within a state,” Creanga explained. The round table was organized by the Foundation for promoting reforms in justice, security and defense (PRISA) in cooperation with the Eurasia Foundation, from funds allocated by the Swedish International Development Agency and USAID.