Justice Becomes More Transparent and Accessible in Rezina

Renovations at the district court in Rezina will open its doors to a more transparent and modern judicial system.         Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony in Rezina, U.S.  Ambassador Asif J.  Chaudhry, said, “The new court we open today is a symbol of growing Moldovan pride in the rule of law.  The changes made demonstrate that it doesn’t matter who you are, justice is the same for everyone.” Deputy Prime Minister Valentin Mejinschi, speaking at the same ceremony, stated: “Reforming the judicial system is an important step in Moldova’s long-term development and in successfully finalizing Moldova’s transition to a market economy and democracy.” Other distinguished guests present at the opening ceremony included Vitalie Pirlog, Minister of Justice, and Nicolae Clima, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Magistracy. The interior design of a building changes how well the system works.  In the last twelve months, the Rezina court has undergone significant physical and administrative changes that improve public convenience, as well as increase transparency, efficiency, and security.  Most public services are now conveniently obtained within a few steps of the entry.  A modern IT system has been installed to publish all court decisions on the internet, and copiers have been provided to facilitate free public access to court archives. Of the four Moldovan courts that are piloting the new reforms, three are being renovated.  They are the district courts in Rezina, Ungheni, and Comrat.  The Rezina court is the second to open.  The Ungheni district court opened in October, while the Comrat district court is scheduled to open in January of next year.  The pilot courts will serve as models, to be replicated throughout the entire court system of Moldova. These reforms mean that more courtrooms will make hearings open to the public.  Public archives will make all court decisions and records available for common knowledge.  New audio recording equipment will ensure accurate recording of court proceedings.  These changes and more are part of a judicial reform program implemented by the Moldova Governance Threshold Country Program which is managed by the United States Agency for International Development. Streamlined administrative procedures will increase transparency and efficiency, including a new automated case management software application that will keep better track of all actions in a case from its inception to the final disposition.  The software will also assign cases randomly among judges reducing the opportunity for corruption. For more information contact Ludmila Ungureanu or Victoria Guzun at tel.: (22) 508-222, 508-224. #### The MGTCP is a two year initiative funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  The goal is to assist the Government of Moldova to make policy and system reforms that will promote good governance, reduce corruption, and improve public service, particularly in the judicial, tax and health sectors.  The MGTCP is implemented by Millennium-IP3 Partners, LLC.   With funding from the United States government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.