Suspended prosecutors, judges to be able to work in private sector in Moldova

Prosecutors and judges of Moldova, suspended from their positions due to the initiation of criminal proceedings, will have right to get involved in activities in the private sector, provided that these activities are not related to their official duties. The parliament voted, in the second reading, a draft law that regulates this aspect.

The changes concern the Law on the Prosecutor's Office and were initiated by the Ministry of Justice, following a decision of the Constitutional Court.

The new regulations stipulate that suspended prosecutors can engage in private sector activities, as long as they do not affect the reputation of the institution and do not create conflicts of interest.

At the same time, the suspension period will not count towards seniority in the position of prosecutor, but will be considered in the overall work experience.

As for judges, the ban on engaging in income-generating activities during suspension has been removed, according to an amendment proposed by MP Igor Chiriac, secretary of the parliament’s juridical commission for appointments and immunities.

Until now, the law has been stipulating that both prosecutors and judges could not hold any other public or private position and could not engage in remunerated or non-remunerated activities, except for teaching, scientific activities, or within the collegial bodies of public institutions.