Promo-LEX remains concerned by the situation of Ernest Vardanean, who is still a hostage of the unconstitutional regime in Tiraspol and at the continuing inaction of the constitutional authorities in response.
Relatives of Ernest Vardanean have recently received a response from the illegal administration of Tiraspol announcing that any further decision regarding the Ernest Vardanean case will only be issued after the examination of a new request for a “pardon”, which cannot be filed earlier than October 2017.
In these circumstances, Promo-LEX notes that the issue of the Ernest Vardanean cannot reach a satisfactory resolution without a clear vision from the constitutional authorities of Moldova and a strategy based upon the application and enforcement of the law adhering to the Constitution; that pursues action without exception against all those who participated in the kidnapping, “conviction” and continuing detention of Mr Vardanean.
We believe that all of the contributory actions in Mr Vardaneans case (ordering the hostage to publicly acknowledge their guilt and then ask the unconstitutional authorities for a “pardon”) were designed to keep people in a state of terror and fear in the region, demonstrating the fact that the regime and those who serve it operate with impunity. The fact that the illegal regime sought to obtain a public plea for a “pardon” was a clear act of propaganda in order to increase their perceived recognition and authority in the region and in an international context.
Promo-LEX is concerned about this situation in which the inhabitants of the region continue to serve as a currency in the hands of those who have unconstitutional control over this area of the Republic of Moldova.
WE CALL upon the constitutional authorities of Moldova:
- As a matter of urgency to take effective and determined legal action towards the release of two hostages in Tiraspol, Ernest Vardanean and Ilie Cazac.
- Applying the provisions of national law, particularly criminal action against all persons and citizens who participated in offenses specified under art.339 (usurping of state power), art.341 (violent overthrowing or changing of the constitutional order of RM), art.347 (desecration of state symbols), art.351 (Usurping of officials), 352 (Arbitrary proceedings) art.280 (hostage taking), Article 282 (formation of illegal paramilitary units, organizing or participating in them), 284 (creating or leading a criminal organization), art.309 (Torture).
- We also ask for increased diplomatic efforts towards resolving these cases within related international structures, in the local region and the wider continent.
Chisinau
February 19, 2011
For more details, contact: Alexandru Postica, Attorney, Promo-LEX Association Executive Director, Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069104851, e-mail: [email protected]