The legal regime of victims' rights provided for in Article 58(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code in criminal proceedings in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The article examines the legal regime of vulnerable victims in the criminal procedural law
of the Republic of Moldova, from the perspective of the evolution of the status of the victim
of crime and the strengthening of the procedural guarantees granted to them. The analysis
highlights the transition from the traditional concept, in which the victim was perceived
primarily as a source of evidence, to the recognition of their importance as a participant in
the criminal process, entitled to specific procedural rights. The study focuses on the legal
particularities of vulnerable victims, taking into account the nature of the crimes committed,
their psychological impact and the increased risks of revictimisation. It analyses the national
regulatory framework, the obligations of the competent authorities in the field of victim
protection and assistance, and the procedural mechanisms designed to ensure effective
access to justice. At the same time, the article highlights the influence of European and
international standards on national criminal procedure legislation and the need to harmonise
it with current requirements for the protection of vulnerable victims. In conclusion, the
importance of strengthening the legal regime applicable to these categories of victims is
emphasised in order to ensure a fair and effective criminal trial.