By – brusselsmorning.com

France (Brussels Morning) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has announced its decision to review the legality of the Moldovan government’s prohibition on the Shor party, which occurred this week on March 11th.

Marina Tauber, former Vice Chair of the Shor party, expressed her satisfaction with the ECHR’s ruling, emphasizing that “free and equitable elections are fundamental to democracy, and the government’s ban on our party last year undermined these principles.”

“Open and fair elections are a key pillar in any democracy, and the Moldovan government’s ban on the party last year undermined those rights. We welcome the Court’s decision to approve the application and to hear the case.”

The timing of the decision is significant, as it prompts the Moldovan government to present a written statement addressing the facts, admissibility, and merits of the case by July 1st, 2024, just ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for later this year.

The court in Strasbourg, France, underscored that this application may be regarded as a “landmark case,” indicating its potential to address significant issues pertinent to Moldova and the convention system overall. It is noteworthy that a significant majority of applications to the ECtHR are dismissed without substantial scrutiny. In 2020, 95% of cases were deemed inadmissible or dismissed, with only 2,000 progressing to a court review. The Shor Party of Moldova lodged the application with the court in August, contending that the government’s prohibition infringed upon fundamental human rights.

The party considers the decision as a significant milestone. “We are gratified that the Court has acknowledged this case and extended an invitation to the Moldovan Government to address our arguments. These submissions highlight multiple reasons illustrating the infringement of the Shor Party members’ Convention rights due to the ban. We have faith that the Court will conduct an impartial and thorough review of this case,” stated Shaul Brazil, Partner at BCL Solicitors LLP, who submitted the application on behalf of the party.

Ilan Shor, the founder and leader of the party bearing his name, has asserted that “several strategies for ongoing advocacy” have been identified. Shor, currently residing in Israel, has received visits from multiple Moldovan MPs who have defected from the Socialist Party. They expressed their intention to revitalize an almost dormant party known as Renasterea (Rebirth).