Three judges heard on the first day of the new round of hearings

The Judicial Vetting Commission today launched a new three-day round of hearings. On the first day, the evaluation files of three magistrates were examined: Sergiu Stratan, candidate for the position of judge at the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ); Ruxanda Pulbere, judge at the Central Court of Appeal; and Petru Triboi, acting President of the Ungheni Court.

The hearings of judges Sergiu Stratan and Ruxanda Pulbere were conducted in plenary session, in accordance with legal procedures applicable to SCJ candidates and cases in which the three-member panel did not reach a consensus. Judge Petru Triboi’s case was examined by Panel D of the Commission, composed of members Scott Bales, Lilian Enciu, and Iurie Gațcan.

Judge Sergiu Stratan was heard to clarify issues concerning financial and ethical integrity, including the sources of funds used to renovate an apartment and the potential non-payment of taxes related to a capital gain.

Judge Ruxanda Pulbere’s case was referred for reevaluation by the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM), which had rejected the Commission’s initial report. During the new hearing, the Commission requested additional clarifications regarding discrepancies between income, expenses, and assets for the years 2012–2015 and 2017, as highlighted by the SCM in its decision.

One Commission member recused themselves from this case. Additionally, part of the hearing was held behind closed doors at the judge’s request, which was approved by the Commission, as the discussions involved aspects of her private life.

Judge Petru Triboi’s case focused on clarifying unexplained wealth. The hearing also examined circumstances surrounding loans provided to the judge’s household by two individuals, as well as the purchase of a vehicle and an apartment by his daughter.

Recordings of the hearings will be available on the Commission’s website – www.vettingmd.eu – under the hearings section within three days, as well as on the Judicail Vetting Commission’s YouTube channel: Comisia de Evaluare a Judecătorilor - YouTube

The hearings will continue tomorrow, 4 November, with judges Constantin Damaschin, Radu Țurcanu, and Veronica Cupcea scheduled to be heard.

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