US State Department criticises Moldova for human rights abuses

The document identifies problems such as: “reports of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by the authorities”, “unsuitable and life-threatening conditions in prisons”, “serious problems with the independence of courts”, “acts of corruption in state bodies”.

The following problems with the observance of human rights in Moldova are listed in the published report:

Reports of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by the authorities;
unsuitable and life-threatening conditions in prisons;
serious problems with the independence of the courts;
acts of corruption within state institutions;
lack of investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence;
crimes of violence or threats of violence against Roma;
Anti-Semitic crimes, violence and threats of violence;
Crimes of violence or threat of violence against LGBT+ persons;
crimes involving violence or threats of violence against persons with disabilities;
the existence of the worst forms of child labour.

 

The U.S. State Department pointed out human rights problems in Transnistria in the report as well:

disappearance of people;
torture and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the “authorities”;
life-threatening prison conditions;
arbitrary arrests or detentions;
the presence of political prisoners or detainees;
serious problems with the independence of the “judiciary”;
arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy;
failure to prosecute domestic and sexual violence.

The authors of the report also noted:

Severe restrictions on freedom of speech and media activities;
The existence of “laws” criminalising libel;
severe restrictions on internet freedom;
Significant interference with freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including overly restrictive “laws” on the organisation, funding or operation of non-governmental and civil society organisations
serious restrictions on freedom of movement;
serious and unwarranted restrictions on political participation;
serious “state” corruption;
serious “state” restrictions or harassment of national and international human rights organisations.

“Although the authorities investigated reports of human rights violations and corruption by officials, the process was slow and arduous. During the year, the authorities (competent authorities – “I.”) indicted and detained several former high-ranking officials, including former President Igor Dodon, former MP Vladimir Andronachi, Shor MP Marina Tauber and former Director of Railways of Moldova Anatol Topale. As of year’s end, the court had not issued a guilty verdict in any of these cases.

The authorities have taken some steps to identify, investigate and prosecute officials for human rights violations, but little progress has been made,” the report states.

Source:  state.gov