Moldova probes prison release of life-term inmates
The Ministry of Justice in Moldova has extended its internal investigation into the release of several individuals sentenced to life imprisonment, following the enforcement of the Amnesty Law and recent amendments to the Criminal Code.
Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru explained that the decision was made due to the heavy workload and the growing number of individuals being interviewed during the inquiry.
“In recent days, I have ordered an extension of the investigation timeline. As such, the inquiry will continue for another two to three weeks,” the minister stated. “Preliminary findings show that several measures have been implemented within both the Ministry of Justice and the National Penitentiary Administration. A comprehensive review of all internal documents from the NPA has been conducted, particularly those related to the drafting and implementation of the Amnesty Law and the amendments to the Criminal Code.”
The minister further noted that following the appeals submitted in the nine cases involving life-sentenced individuals released from prison, the courts have accepted five. As a result, five release decisions were overturned, three individuals were returned to prison, and extradition proceedings were initiated for a fourth.
When asked whether one of the individuals was Iurie Radulov, the minister confirmed the information but declined to disclose his whereabouts, citing the need to preserve the confidentiality of ongoing procedures.
The Ministry of Justice has also referred the matter to the prosecution authorities for additional investigations.
“Every aspect is under review. It is important to determine whether any violations occurred and to ensure appropriate measures are taken. Where there are legal gaps or a lack of understanding of the law, we must take corrective action,” Mihailov-Moraru emphasized.
The controversy arose after legislative amendments passed by the parliamentary majority in 2021 and 2022 enabled nine individuals serving life sentences to be released. Among them were convicted members of the criminal underworld, including Alexandru Sinigur, Iurie Radulov, and Dorin Sușițchi. The matter triggered a public scandal. The ruling party expelled MP Olesea Stamate—co-author of the legislative project—and demanded that she resign from Parliament. The case prompted a wave of strong reactions.
Opposition parties fiercely criticized the government, calling for the resignation of the ruling parliamentary faction and demanding early elections. In response to the scandal, Parliament passed new legislative amendments under emergency procedures.
The Constitutional Court also suspended the enforcement of specific provisions in the Amnesty Law adopted to mark the 30th anniversary of Moldova’s independence.
In parallel, the Ministry of Justice launched an inquiry into the law’s implementation, following concerns about abuse and inconsistencies in the release of life-sentenced inmates. The review covers the activities of the National Penitentiary Administration (NPA), the eligibility assessment committees, and the procedures followed by officials responsible for enforcing the law. The Superior Council of Magistracy has announced that all judicial decisions involving the application of the Amnesty Law to life-sentenced prisoners will be thoroughly reviewed.
The scandal also led to the resignation of Anatolie Falca, head of the National Penitentiary Administration, at the request of Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
