15 February 2010
Naming journalists „raged dogs”, Chairman of High Court of Justice (CSJ) referred to distinct cases

The Head of Court Apparatus formulated a first opinion related to the press scandal involving the Chairman of the High Court of Justice (CSJ), Ion Muruianu, Monitor Media Agency reports.

We recall that Mr. Muruianu declared in his speech from February 13, pronounced at the Judges’ General Assembly, that “sometimes, journalists turn from watchdogs into raged dogs, becoming very dangerous for the whole society by spreading lies”. The statement was made in the context of the great number of lawsuits lost by R. Moldova at European Court for Human Rights.

Quoted by DECA-press agency, the Head of CSJ Apparatus, Valentin Lastavetchi, said „the media misunderstood” Muruianu’s statements. „It is difficult to comment as the things were misunderstood. Mr. Muruianu referred selectively, to some distinct cases, and in no way attacked the entire media. It is strange how people interpreted his words”, Lastavetchi declared.

On February 14, a group of 12 journalists from various editorial offices from Moldova jointly signed a common letter addressed to the Speaker Mihai Ghimpu, calling for the inclusion of Ion Muruianu’s dismissal on Parliament’s agenda. The signatories claim the CSJ Chairman „took the liberty to commit a dirty attack, in a Stalinist language and style, addressed to mass media and journalists”.

Further on, Mihai Ghimpu confirmed for „PRO TV Chisinau” that he took notice of journalists’ letter. According to Ghimpu’s words, the legislation foresees the examination of this petition firstly by the High Magistrature Council, and then, depending on the decision, it shall be submitted to the legislative body.

The Chairman of the High Magistrature Council, Dumitru Vistirniceanu, declared that provided the petition was directed by the Speaker to the Council, it „shall be examined in accordance with the legislation in force”.

Quoted by Info-Prim Neo, the Minister of Justice, Alexandru Tanase, declared that „practically, Ion Muruianu’s statement repeatedly made actual the previous state of mind, when the media was simply obstructed to cover objectively the events from the society”. Ion Muruianu’s statement does not stand for the opinion of the whole bench of judges, Tanase specified.

Ion Muruianu was appointed as CSJ Chairman in March 2007.

© „MONITOR MEDIA” AGENCY