Ahead of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, human rights defenders called on the authorities to put an end on torture on both banks of the Dniester river, and to bring the torturers to real accountability.
Amnesty International Moldova, Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims „Memoria” and „Promo-LEX” concluded that inhuman treatment in detention remains chronically widespread, aggravated by that the state does not hold torturers accountable – even if it starts investigations, it often applies symbolic penalties or halts prosecution altogether.
“Accountability is the basis of any equitable society. In such a society physical integrity of everyone is protected not only by signatures under international treaties, but by concrete actions the state undertakes for prevention of inhuman treatment in detention,” said Cristina Pereteatcu, Executive Director at Amnesty International. “Taxes are collected precisely for this, among other things. It seems that in Moldova we, the citizens of this state, contribute to be tortured.”
Ludmila Popovici, Executive Director RCTV „Memoria”, underscored the importance of aligning the methods of investigation of torture cases with international standards; implementation of the recommendations of the Istanbul Protocol could serve well that goal: “This Protocol is a basic instrument for efficient investigation, as well as a guide for documenting torture and inhuman and/or degrading treatment for reporting the outcomes to relevant authorities and ensuring minimal standards so that the State respects and guarantees efficient documentation of torture. Implementation of the Istanbul Protocol in Moldova could become an important contribution for ending the impunity of torturers, delivering justice, and offering compensation for victims and their families.”
Another perpetuating problem is the impasse in the region of Transnistria, which does not subordinate itself to constitutional authorities, and where torture is used on large scale. Alexandru Postică from Promo-LEX stated:”In this region, there is no credible, legal and efficient instrument for monitoring the situation in places of detention, whereas the situation slips away from control due to impunity of persons from this Moldovan territory. Even though the constitutional authorities de facto do not exercise control over the region, that is not a plausible excuse for Moldova because no one has cancelled the State’s positive obligation towards people on its territory.”
Background
The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture has been marked on 26 June since 1997, in remembrance of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which came into force in 1987. Moldova joined the Convention in 1995; in 2006 the Parliament ratified the Optional Protocol to the treaty. UN Committee against Torture monitors respect of stipulations of the Convention. Committee’s Representatives visited Moldova in 2010; their report stressed the importance of eradication of torture. Also, the problem of torture was signalled out by Amnesty International in its 2007 and 2009 country reports, as well as in numerous Annual Reports, including the current one.
For more information please contact:
Amnesty International Moldova: Tel. +373 22 83 58 08, Email: [email protected]
RCTV Memoria: Tel. +373 22 27 32 22, Email: [email protected]
Promo-LEX: Tel. + 373 22 45 00 24, Email: [email protected]