Moldova PM reignites judicial feud, names judges in bank fraud case
Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean reignited tensions with the judiciary on Wednesday, publicly identifying two judges he believes made detrimental decisions in the high-profile "Bank Fraud" case.
This move drew immediate condemnation from the Association of Judges, who accused Recean of undermining judicial independence and jeopardising public trust in the system.
Continuing Scrutiny:
Despite public backlash following previous criticisms of judges, Recean persisted in naming "Judge Angela Catana, who ruled the National Bank liable in the billion-dollar scandal, and Judge Ludmila Beșliu, who merged a case against a key suspect with another, potentially delaying justice." He justified his actions, stating a commitment to "cleaning the judicial system" and holding judges accountable for "abusive decisions."
Judiciary Pushes Back:
The Association of Judges countered Recean's accusations, characterising his pronouncements as "verbal attacks" undermining the crucial principle of separation of powers and judicial independence. They warned that "such statements, regardless of motivation, can erode public trust in the justice system and hinder its impartiality and effectiveness."
History of Conflict:
This clash marks the latest episode in a growing rift between Recean and the judiciary. In December, he condemned judges who removed a political party from the electoral race, accusing them of jeopardising national security and ignoring evidence. These actions were heavily criticised by legal professionals and the Supreme Council of Magistracy.
Looking Ahead:
Recean's latest salvo in the judicial battle raises concerns about the potential impact on the ongoing Bank Fraud case and the broader pursuit of judicial reform. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the path towards reconciliation and an independent judiciary remains uncertain.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
