The judge who examined the indictment case of the mayor Evghenia Guțul was subjected, for several months, to pressures, intimidations, and threats. These included death threats, sending macabre photos of murdered people, and repeated phone calls, even during the night. This was announced today by the president of the Superior Council of Magistracy, Sergiu Caraman, at a press conference, reports IPN.
“These actions are not just unacceptable. They represent a direct attack on the ability of justice to function impartially and to ensure the observance of the law for all citizens,” stated the president of the CSM.
Sergiu Caraman stated that, despite the information that appeared in the public space about a possible resignation, the judge had no intention of resigning.
“The judge has sent a note to the SCM informing them about all these circumstances and assuring that she has done everything possible to remain impartial in examining this case. Even when she made the decision on the case, she did so in the deliberation room, based on her inner conviction and the letter of the law,” added the president of the SCM.
He stated that the competent authorities are to clarify who is behind these intimidations and to provide details. “We can make certain assumptions, but we do not want to make them. The law enforcement and justice bodies should fulfill their duties and identify the circle of those who are behind. When the investigations are completed, of course, the respective bodies will communicate with the Superior Council of Magistracy, and society, and we will decide on a case-by-case basis how to further protect the judges,” said Sergiu Caraman.
“This is a situation of exceptional gravity that threatens the foundation of the rule of law in Moldova, namely the independence of justice,” added the president of the SCM. According to him, in addition to the judge in the case of Evghenia Guțul, a member of the Council was also subjected to pressures and intimidations.
Bashcana Evghenia Gutul, close to fugitive Ilan Shor, was sentenced on Tuesday to 7 years in prison, while the former Shor party secretary, Svetlana Popan, wasBoth Evghenia Gutul and Svetlana Popan have pleaded not guilty. Bașcana believes that the decision by which she was convicted has no connection with justice, but is a political revenge. The lawyers mentioned that they will appeal both sentences to the Court of Appeal.
