Chisinau Courthouse imposes strict access rules to ensure magistrates' safety
Chisinau Courthouse announced stricter access rules for court premises to ensure the safety of magistrates and the smooth conduct of court hearings, following an assault on a magistrate during a court hearing on January 29.
Access for judges and court employees is granted exclusively through an ID card or access card. Trial participants, visitors, and journalists must present a valid identity document. Members of the public can attend court hearings only after submitting a written request at least 30 minutes in advance, while media representatives must submit their requests at least 24 hours prior.
Access to judges' offices is strictly prohibited, except for courtrooms and public audience rooms. Additionally, bringing weapons, ammunition, dangerous objects, or unauthorized recording devices into the court is not allowed. Access may be denied to individuals who refuse security checks, appear visibly intoxicated, or are dressed inappropriately. Recording or photographing court hearings without written permission is also prohibited. Smoking, distributing advertising materials, altering information boards, or removing documents or court property is not allowed.
"Please respect these rules to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the court!", the cited source informs.
We remind you that on January 29, a judge from the Centru headquarters of the Chisinau Court was struck in the head by a defendant during a court hearing, necessitating the intervention of medical personnel and police.
On August 22, 2025, another judge from the same headquarters was assaulted while reviewing a request for a protection order. In 2025, at least three magistrates received threats, including death threats, affecting judges such as Ana Cucerescu and Livia Mitrofan, a member of the Supreme Court of Moldova.
In response to these incidents, the Chisinau Court has installed surveillance cameras and metal detectors, and access to judges' offices remains strictly controlled. The Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) has requested the authorities to establish a Judicial Police, a specialized unit aimed at preventing similar incidents and safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.
