The Freedom House seeks proposals from both rising and experienced independent researchers, scholars, and affiliated research analysts, especially those based in Moldova, the Eastern Partnership region, and the European Union, for forward-looking briefs on the following theme: “Selective Justice: The Fight Against Political Influence in Moldova’s Justice System”.

In the wake of a series of constitutional crises and dramatic transfers of government over the past several years, it is clear that Moldova continues to struggle to establish a truly independent judiciary. Research and monitoring by the NGO Lawyers for Human Rights has established that politically-compromised actors within the judiciary system have used a wide variety of methods to both protect their political allies and punish their political opponents, including by delaying proceedings, complicating public oversight, selectively recognizing evidence, intimidating judges or witnesses, and controlling the flow of information to the press.

Attempts to bring reform and integrity to the justice system have progressed slowly and achieved mixed success. Recent legislative initiatives in support of judicial reform have been delayed for months in the Constitutional Court and criticized by international partners as lacking “vision and strategy.”

This brief would examine the current state of political influence and selective justice in Moldova’s justice system, and consider the different roles government, civil society, and media stakeholders can play to combat it. Competitive proposals will identify key obstacles to judicial reform and offer actionable recommendations for Moldova’s government, justice sector institutions, and other reformist stakeholders in wider society to achieve meaningful change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals from both rising and experienced independent researchers, scholars, and affiliated research analysts, especially those based in Moldova, are eligible to apply.

Procedures

• Please submit concept proposals to, with “Moldova Policy Briefs” in the subject line. The concept proposal should consist of an abstract of no more than 200 words in English, an outline of the argument and recommendations to be presented, and a CV for the principal researcher or researchers. Organizations may submit proposals for more than one brief.
• Contracted researchers will be asked to deliver a draft of 2500-3000 words. The brief will be published by Freedom House, with the byline and affiliation of the scholar or researcher. An honorarium of $250 per brief is provided.

For more information, visit Freedom House.