Moldovan Justice Ministry initiates discussions with representatives of legal profession, competent authorities

The Ministry of Justice today initiated discussions with representatives of the legal profession and the competent authorities. The decision comes in the context of amendments adopted by parliament to the Law on Legal Profession, as well as actions announced by the Bar Association.

“For Monday, the ministry will organize a joint meeting, in order to facilitate the dialogue between lawyers, authorities, representatives of Parliament, and other concerned parties, to analyze the best ways to defend the rights of the citizens of  Moldova,” said the Ministry of Justice.

The Bar Association has declared a strike in protest against the amendments to the Law on Legal Profession adopted by Parliament on July 11. The strike is set to begin on July 15 and is expected to end on July 25.

The first amendment concerns the introduction of a three-year ban for lawyers who have held positions in the internal committees of the Bar Association from reoccupying these positions, in order to prevent influence and ensure staff rotation.

At the same time, the second amendment concerns the inclusion in the licensing and discipline committees of the Bar Association of representatives appointed by the Minister of Justice, as well as representatives from academic circles or civil society, to order to enhance objectivity.