Balancing national security and the protection of fundamental human rights: SC CrimCC judge participates in international conference on judicial oversight of special investigative and counterintelligence measures

Judge of the Supreme Court in the Criminal Cassation Court, Viktor Ostapuk, participated in the International Conference “Judicial Oversight of Special Investigative and Counterintelligence Measures,” held in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. The event focused on the challenges and solutions related to judicial supervision of special investigative and counterintelligence measures in Moldova and several other European countries.

During the conference, judges, prosecutors, experts, members of parliament, academics, and practitioners from across Europe discussed challenges and approaches in exercising judicial oversight over special investigative and counterintelligence measures, particularly in the context of legislative reforms. Key topics included:

– the role of the judiciary as a guarantor of the rule of law and human rights;

– the balance between national security needs and the protection of human rights;

– training and specialization of judges in overseeing the application of intrusive information-gathering measures by state authorities.

Participants compared standards and best practices for the use of special investigative measures in criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations (with the former focusing on gathering evidence for prosecution and the latter on preventing and neutralizing threats).

Given the complexity of special investigative techniques and the sensitivity of national security cases, special attention was paid to the need for continuous judicial training, the development of dedicated resources and manuals, and the importance of international exchange of ideas and experience.

The conference was organized by DCAF – The Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, as part of the project “Strengthening Security Sector Governance in Moldova,” in cooperation with the National Institute of Justice of Moldova and the Superior Council of Magistrates.