In a groundbreaking initiative to countering the rising tide of hate speech globally, law enforcement institutions in Moldova are taking a resolute stand towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. Recognizing the urgent need to address this pervasive issue, particularly with the amplification brought on through social media and exacerbated by conflict in the region, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Moldova, in partnership with UN Human Rights is spearheading the development of a comprehensive methodological Guide for law enforcement institutions.

„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.

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”.

 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.