Study trip as part of the reform of Moldovan penitentiary law

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Published: July 5, 2024

As part of the consultations on the reform of the penitentiary system in the Republic of Moldova, IRZ organized a study trip to Lower Saxony from 10 to 14 June 2024. Representatives of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Moldova, the National Penitentiary Service and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office were among the participants. Dr. Thomas Smollich, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice of Lower Saxony, welcomed the delegation, which also visited several prisons.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Smollich emphasized that the Ministry of Justice of Lower Saxony was happy to support its Moldovan colleagues in introducing a progressive prison system, particularly in view of the country's EU accession candidate status. In the subsequent expert discussion, which was moderated by Dr. Stephanie Springer, Head of Department III (Prison Service), questions relating to the work and responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice in relation to the prison system were discussed in depth.

The delegation also visited the Bremervörde prison, the Hameln juvenile prison, the prison for women and the prison for young offenders in Vechta and was able to get an idea of the different needs-oriented approaches.

IRZ has been advising the Republic of Moldova on the comprehensive reform of prison law since 2017. The introduction of a progressive prison system in line with European standards is an important building block in the course of EU integration. The continuation and intensification of cooperation is therefore also planned for the future.