Moldovan prosecutor general dismissed after 2-year investigation - president's decree

CHISINAU. Sept 26 (Interfax) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu has signed a decree relieving Alexandr Stoianoglo of his duties as prosecutor general, the head of state's press service said in a statement on Tuesday.

The decree was signed on the basis of a Supreme Council of Prosecutors proposal of May 23, 2022, the statement said. The Council's decision in turn was based on a report by a commission which assessed the prosecutor general's job performance and found it "unsatisfactory."

"In view of the delay in proclaiming a court decision recognizing the legality of Alexandr Stoianoglo's suspension by the Supreme Court of Prosecutors, the signing of the decree is taking place in the context of the European Union's recommendations for Moldova to appoint a prosecutor general and [honor] its commitment to meet the conditions for the reform of its justice system," the statement said.

Stoianoglo was arrested by national anti-corruption officers in October 2021. He has been accused of abuse of office, passive corruption and making misrepresentations in declarations. After being apprehended he was placed under house arrest, then released with a travel ban, and has been free since March 7, 2022.

The court has yet to rule on Stoianoglo. He has denied the charges and said his prosecution is politically motivated.

Stoianoglo's suspension from the Supreme Council of Prosecutors was appealed with the Chisinau Appeals Chamber. Last year, his lawyers also challenged the suspension with the European Court of Human Rights.

By law, an acting prosecutor general may serve no more than one year. For this reason, the past year saw the position filled by Acting Prosecutor General Dumitru Robu (at present, it is Ion Monteanu). His duties expire in October.