Europe & CIS

Incidents of torture and harassment are an ongoing concern in Moldova, particularly after sharply contested elections in April. A Communist Party victory in those elections sparked violent protests due to concerns it had been rigged. According to the human rights watchdog group, Amnesty International, hundreds of Moldovans who protested were later detained by police and beaten to sign confessions. Since, the election has been scheduled to be re-held July 29 and is to be monitored by the European Parliament and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

 

Even before the spring elections, human rights abuses in Moldova were a concern. The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Torture concluded in July 2008 that abuse by police during custody was wide spread. That abuse included severe beatings, electrocution, asphyxiation , needles beneath finger nails and suspension, all used as a mean to gain confessions. The findings were based on discussions with public officials, judges, lawyers, representatives of civil society and interviews with victims. Forensic medical evidence also supported the findings. The Rapporteur also determined that while some torture cases reached the courts, many mechanisms for complaints were ineffective.

 

In response to such concerns, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme started the Torture Prevention Project, with one of the activities the hotline service, known as the “green line.” The hotline service launched at the beginning of July.

 

Victims or witnesses of torture can call the hotline anonymously and receive legal advice. The National Preventive Mechanism-Consultative Council (an independent group within the Centre for Human Rights) also examines complaints, intervenes when necessary and informs authorities about torture cases. The most urgent and complicated cases are forwarded to an ombudsperson who then decides on next steps. Additionally, all complaints of human rights violations are catalogued to help provide a general picture of human rights conditions in Moldova.

 

“We expect that the results of the “green line” activity will have a big impact on society,” Ms. Lazur said, adding that it was still to early to quantify results. “The citizens and victims of torture are aware of the existence of an instrument for reporting the torture cases and for legal consultation. In such a way, an efficient cooperation in reporting the human rights violation cases and torture cases is established between citizens and the Centre for Human Rights/National Preventive Mechanism, ensuring better protection for human rights.”

 

The “green line” can be reached by dialing the number 0-8001-2222 from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m.

 

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