Tatiana Răducanu Resigns Amidst Probe: Defends Judicial Integrity
Tatiana Răducanu, a member of the Pre-vetting and Vetting Commissions, finds herself embroiled in a criminal investigation initiated by the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office. In response, she has chosen to resign from these positions "to safeguard her dignity and the integrity of her status as a judge in resignation."
Additionally, she seeks to prevent further escalation of this controversy. In a letter addressed to the press, Răducanu asserts that the process of vetting within the judiciary is a crucial reform that must persist, serving as the most effective means to rid the field of compromised individuals.
"The recent onslaught of vehement attacks only underscores the imperative for comprehensive reform," the letter affirms.
Răducanu reveals that during her tenure of over two years on the Pre-vetting Commission, she became the target of multiple defamation campaigns, allegedly orchestrated by compromised individuals operating in the shadows.
"For these reasons, I reluctantly agreed to join the Vetting Commission for prosecutors. Nevertheless, I never anticipated being subject to baseless public attacks by the head of an anticorruption institution. The circumstances cited by Mrs. Dragalin are unfounded. I did not engage in discussions with the former judge mentioned by her. Moreover, I advocated for the lifting of his immunity to facilitate his criminal investigation. Furthermore, I was not involved in determining the current headquarters of the Superior Council of Magistracy, nor do I possess knowledge of its previous ownership," Răducanu contends.
The judge asserts that she has not been approached by anticorruption prosecutors to provide explanations regarding the allegations raised by Veronica Dragalin, the head of the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office, contrary to customary procedures.
"I regret that, on the eve of their evaluations, anticorruption prosecutors initiated a criminal proceeding which, according to the law, they lacked the authority to do so. Nevertheless, I am willing to cooperate with any legally initiated investigation to refute the allegations against me."
Răducanu tendered her resignation from both the Pre-Vetting and Prosecutor Vetting Commissions following the disclosure of a letter in the media. In the letter, the head of the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office implicates her in a criminal investigation, alleging ties to and actions in the interest of fugitives Ilan Șor and Veaceslav Platon.
Verifying the letter's authenticity, Dragalin clarified that its purpose was to preempt a threat to the justice system, rather than impugn the evaluation procedures.
In response, President Maia Sandu demands concrete evidence from the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office regarding the accusations levelled against Răducanu. Pending the presentation of conclusive evidence, the Presidency may consider the possibility of removing the judge from her position as a member of the Supreme Security Council.
Despite the ensuing scandal, the Pre-Vetting Commission has announced its intention to continue its operations and complete the evaluation procedures as mandated by the legislation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
