The members of the CSM unanimously approved a statement at the meeting of April 18, qualifying the statements of the convicted Ilan Șor as threats to the three judges who pronounced the decision of April 13, 2023.
These are unacceptable in a state of law. The Council condemns any threats and pressures on the judicial system and its representatives and calls on the competent institutions to show increased vigilance to combat and prevent any threats and attempts to exert pressure on the judicial system.
Moreover, the Council encourages the three judges to inform the CSM and the Prosecutor’s Office in case of any threats or pressures exerted by Ilan Șor or his representatives. The CSM assures that it will take all measures to ensure the independence and security of judges who are intimidated.
AGORA recalls that on April 13, 2023, the Chisinau Court of Appeals issued its decision in the criminal case against Ilan Șor, and shortly after, the convict came with a video reaction on his Facebook page:
“Today, three dependent judges have not sentenced me, but themselves, first of all, because for today’s decision, these judges will go to prison very soon. I want them to know that I and my supporters will not forget this,” said Shore.
Shortly after, in a reaction, the Court of Appeal found that the statements made by Ilan Şor after the sentencing represent an attack against the judges and an attack on the independence of the judiciary. The judges believe that the purpose of these statements is the attempt to intimidate the magistrates and they ask Șor and the lawyers to express their dissatisfaction in a legal way, namely by contesting the decisions in the courts.
AGORA recalls that on April 13, Ilan Şor was definitively sentenced by the Court of Appeal to 15 years in prison. At the same time, the assets on which the seizure was applied will be confiscated in favor of the state, being about 5 billion lei. The information was confirmed by deputy Olesea Stamate.
“Sor will spend 15 years in prison for stealing the billion and his assets will be confiscated. This was decided today by the Court of Appeal. This was requested by us in order to do justice to the people. This was demanded by the citizens – that those who steal return the money, and that the law be put at the head of the table. This is the only way justice can gain its legitimacy, through legal decisions that punish thieves and do justice,” declared the head of state, Maia Sandu.
We mention that the lawyers of Ilan Șor announced that the decision of the Chisinau Court of Appeal, by which Șor was definitively sentenced to 15 years in prison, will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Justice. His defenders also say that they will also reach the ECHR.
