Parliament approved in its plenary session on Thursday, 14 July, in final reading, a draft law providing for the possibility to prosecute criminal cases in the absence of the person concerned, if he or she evades prosecution or trial. The document was supported by 72 MEPs. According to Parliament, the legislative initiative aims to improve Moldova’s criminal procedure legislation.

“It concerns the procedure of indictment in absentia, as well as the trial of the case in the absence of the accused, for cases when the person evades prosecution or avoids participation in the trial process. The document also provides for the confiscation of the property concerned in such cases, if this is provided for in the conviction,” the Parliament said in a statement.

At the same time, according to the Parliament, the legislative amendments provide a number of procedural guarantees, such as the right of a person convicted in absentia to request the resumption of the criminal proceedings, if he or she submits a request to this effect to the competent bodies in person or through a lawyer. This guarantees the person’s right to a fair trial and the right of defence.