Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has announced five urgent measures following the tragedy in Magdacesti, Criuleni district, where a man fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. The woman was under protection, while the man was subject to a court protection order prohibiting him from approaching her and was being electronically monitored.
The prime minister said the tragedy highlights serious problems in the mechanism for monitoring and protecting victims of domestic violence and that authorities must act urgently.
The first measure involves introducing border alerts for monitored aggressors. The Border Police will be notified about the individual, while the National Probation Inspectorate will be able to find out in real time when the person leaves or re-enters the country.
The General Inspectorate of Police will also be given access to the electronic monitoring platform. According to Tofan, the General Inspectorate of Police and the National Probation Inspectorate will be able to monitor alerts simultaneously, including situations in which an aggressor approaches a protected victim.
Another measure concerns tougher penalties. The government plans to amend the Criminal Code so that violations of police-issued restriction orders or court-issued protection orders are treated as criminal offenses rather than merely administrative violations.
Tofan also announced additional resources for electronic monitoring. On September 8, the National Probation Inspectorate is expected to receive 200 new electronic bracelets. For 2027, the authorities plan to double the institution’s budget and provide an additional 4 million lei.
The fifth measure focuses on improving prevention mechanisms and keeping victims informed. Under the proposed system, victims would receive assistance if the monitoring signal from the aggressor’s electronic device is lost.
“Nothing can repair this family’s tragedy. But we will act to reduce the risk of such tragedies happening again. The Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal case. The head of the National Probation Inspectorate submitted his resignation yesterday. I know that these measures are not enough to prevent such cases in the future,” Vasile Tofan said on Thursday, September 3.
The prime minister also called on local authorities, police officers, priests and representatives of educational institutions to become more involved in identifying and supporting victims of domestic violence.
“If there is a problem in our community, let us build a chain of protection together. Let us speak up and help victims, and, where possible, talk to aggressors – let us build a society where life and dignity come first. Dear women, dear girls, your safety and your lives are a priority. Nothing justifies violence. Regret cannot undo this immense tragedy. But we can and must work tirelessly to build a society where women who ask for help receive it and where protection is guaranteed,” the prime minister said.
The tragedy occurred on August 31 in Magdacesti, Criuleni district. A 47-year-old man fatally shot his 42-year-old wife with a homemade firearm and then died by suicide.
Their bodies were found inside the home by their 15-year-old daughter. A protection order had previously been issued against the man, prohibiting him from approaching his wife.
The tragedy left three girls orphaned, two of them minors aged 7 and 15. They received psychological support and were temporarily placed in a safe environment with relatives from their extended family, under the supervision of social assistance specialists.
Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin said there were suspicions that the electronic bracelet used to monitor the man may not have been functioning properly. Authorities are currently investigating all circumstances surrounding the case, with several investigations underway.
Following the tragedy, National Probation Inspectorate head Viorel Sochirca also announced his resignation. The Prosecutor General’s Office has confirmed that a criminal investigation has been launched.