The subject of the security mandate as an essential tool in the activity of the Security and Intelligence Service was debated at the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova”. About 50 experts, researchers and representatives of authorities competent in the field of national security took part in the mixed event with both online and offline components organized today, 8 September, under the auspices of the Security and Intelligence Service.
During the conference, the guests discussed a wide range of topics raised among academic environment and civil society on investigation means and establishment of a security mandate, especially, those concerning reasonable, proportional, and legal interference of the Security and Intelligence Service in citizens’ certain fundamental rights and freedoms.
Experts noted that in most European countries, intelligence services have this mechanism, which gives them the opportunity to carry out specific actions for intelligence gathering only on the basis of an authorization for a longer period of time, but whose primary purpose is to ensure national security, one of the most important elements of the statehood and security of the society.
Another argument in favor of this legislative initiative, stated during the dialogue, was that, currently, in the Republic of Moldova, special investigation measures can be carried out only within a criminal case, and only when the crime has already been committed. However, the purpose of the Security and Intelligence Service, first of all, is to prevent actions that may prejudice the state security, to anticipate and counteract them using extra-procedural criminal measures. Moreover, the SIS lacks the authority to carry out criminal proceedings and therefore without a security mandate, technical capabilities cannot be used to handle specific cases affecting national security.
In his speech, Alexandr ESAULENCO, Director of the Security and Intelligence Service, appreciated the involvement and active interest of the participants. He mentioned the need for continuity of dialogue with civil society and academic environment as a basis for transparency and broad awareness of the adoption of the draft law on security mandate.
He highlighted the role and importance that this innovative mechanism can have for the functionality, flexibility and efficiency of the SIS in the process of ensuring national security. The SIS Director reiterated that such an instrument cannot be categorized as an arbitrary tool of the Security and Intelligence Service since it can be subject to parliamentary and judicial control.
We remind you that this year, in May, the National Institute of Intelligence and Security “Bogdan, the Founder of Moldova” launched the initiative to create a platform for communication, discussions and debates between civil society, academic environment, and Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova on topics related to security and national interest, in order to enhance transparency, perception of the need and essence of the taken actions, as well as to develop the security culture in the society.
Conference proceedings can be found here.
