Moldovan institutions take a unified stand against Hate Crimes and Hate Speech: A collaborative Effort towards a more inclusive Society

"The development of this Guide is a responsibility we take seriously, aware of the impact that hate speech can have on our society," emphasized Gheorghe Borș, interim chief prosecutor of the Management and Project Policies Section within the Prosecutor General's Office. "We want this tool to be not only comprehensive and practical but also tailored to the specific needs of those who enforce the law in Moldova. The collaboration with law enforcement institutions and civil society, as well as the valuable support from the UN Human Rights Office, strengthen our conviction that we will succeed in providing an effective tool in the fight against hate speech and in promoting a climate of respect and tolerance."

This landmark initiative aims to equip police, prosecutors, and judges with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate hate crimes, including hate speech cases, which occur both online and offline. The Guide will serve as a roadmap offering detailed guidance for each stage of the legal procedure, ensuring that evidence is gathered meticulously, that cases are built on solid grounds, and perpetrators are held accountable.

Galina Pleșca, Deputy Head of the International Relations and European Affairs Directorate at the General Police Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the importance of a unified approach: "When police officers respond to potential hate crimes, their initial assessment lays the groundwork for the entire legal process. It is crucial that this understanding is shared by investigators, prosecutors, judges, and ultimately, the public. Consistent language and a uniform interpretation of hate crime legislation not only ensure fair and effective prosecutions but also foster a society that recognizes and condemns these offenses."

Moldova's commitment to combating hate speech is underscored by the involvement of various stakeholders. The UN Human Rights Office is actively working to foster collaboration and ensure that all branches of law enforcement are on the same page. The Equality Council, recognizing the guide's alignment with its mission to prevent discrimination, is also lending its support.

Carolina Bagrin, a member of the Equality Council, expressed the council's commitment: "The development of this Guide is a crucial step in ensuring that all citizens of the Republic of Moldova feel safe and respected, regardless of their origin. The Equality Council is committed to supporting this initiative, as it directly aligns with our mission to prevent discrimination and promote a truly inclusive society. We believe that by equipping law enforcement authorities with the necessary tools to combat hate speech, we are sending a strong message that hate has no place in our country."

The Guide's development process includes extensive legal discussions and analysis of local and international case law. It aims to address the complex legal, social, and psychological aspects of hate crimes and hate speech, ensuring that law enforcement and the judiciary are equipped with the necessary expertise to handle these sensitive cases effectively.

Constantin Popescu, a prosecutor at the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases, emphasized the multidimensional approach required: "we act with the awareness that investigating and prosecuting crimes motivated by prejudice and those that incite hatred requires a specialized and multidimensional approach. The guide developed within this workshop, along with the consultation process, provides us with the necessary tools to understand the legal, social, and psychological nuances of these offenses. By applying the accumulated knowledge, through inter-institutional collaboration and by adopting a multidisciplinary perspective, we will be able to investigate and prosecute these crimes with professionalism and efficiency, thus ensuring that justice is done, and everyone's rights are protected".

The judiciary, an integral part of the legal procedure, is also actively involved in the Guide's development. 

Judge Ion Chirtoaca, specializing in criminal matters, stressed the importance of the guide in ensuring fair and just decisions: "In the courtroom, our primary responsibility is to apply the law fairly and impartially. In the case of hate crimes, this responsibility becomes even more complex, given the legal and social nuances of these cases. This guide provides us with a valuable tool to deeply understand the relevant legislation and to ensure that our decisions are sound, fair, and in line with the fundamental principles of human rights.”

With the draft version of the guide expected to be finalized and endorsed by institutions by the end of 2024, Moldova is taking a significant step towards a more inclusive and tolerant society. 

As Nikola Petrovski, Human Rights Officer stated, “Based on discussions with various stakeholders in 2023 we realized that better inter-institutional coordination and clear guidance are necessary to improve Moldova’s responses to counter hate-motivated offenses.”

This collaborative effort between state institutions, civil society, and international organizations reflects Moldova's determination to uphold human rights and counter hate speech, towards a future where all people feel safe, respected, and valued.

Read the story in Russian language here.