Moldova's Commission for Judges' Evaluation organizes repeated public hearings for two magistrates of courts of appeal

The Commission for Judges’ Evaluation today organized repeated public hearings for two magistrates from the courts of appeal, who are undergoing external integrity evaluation. The concerned magistrates Olga Cojocaru from the Centru  Court of Appeal and Dmitrii Fujenco from the South Court of Appeal.

Judge Olga Cojocaru was reevaluated following the decision by the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM)’s to reject the Commission's report that recommended passing her evaluation. The repeated hearing, conducted in front of the entire Commission, focused exclusively on the issues which CSM found problematic in its decision. Discussions with the Commission members addressed financial integrity issues related to possible discrepancies between acquired wealth and expenses for the years 2015, 2021 and 2022. Ethical integrity aspects concerning two cases examined by the judge were also discussed.

Similarly, judge Dmitrii Fujenco was invited again for hearings with the entire Commission, after the evaluation panel did not reach a consensus on his case. Discussions during the hearings focused on possible financial discrepancies for the years 2012–2013, 2015 and 2017, including donations received from family members, use of a vehicle and expenses for home repairs. Clarifications were also sought regarding the circumstances under which the magistrate benefited from the use of an apartment.

In the upcoming period, the Commission will draft a detailed report for each case, which will include relevant facts, reasons for the decision, and conclusions about the judges' compliance with ethical and financial integrity standards. The reports will be sent to the Superior Council of Magistracy, which is to review them and take a decision.