Ombudsman Anatol Munteanu: April 7 lesson wasn't learned

The day of April 7, 2009 revealed a number of problems concerning the observance of the rights to assembly, expression and safety, the head of the Center for Human Rights, ombudsman Anatolie Munteanu told a news conference on March 18, Info-Prim Neo reports. “Those who misunderstood or did not understand the provisions of a very democratic law – the law on assembly, which is one of the best laws in Europe, must bear responsibility,” the ombudsman said. According to Anatolie Munteanu, the main mistake committed in April last year was that the detained persons were held at police stations, not at the institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Justice, as required by law. Munteanu said he spoke with 45 persons who were detained after the April protests and most of them complained that they were beaten. “Unfortunately, the April 7 lesson wasn't learned well as torture continues to be used in the Ministry of the Interior's institutions,” Anatolie Munteanu said. He related a case that happened in February this year. Three persons suspected of theft were tortured at a police station. Consequently, on March 10, legal action was taken against employees of the Ministry of the Interior. In 2009, the Center for Human Rights of Moldova received 3,935 complaints, by 400 more than a year before. The most serious ones concern the safety and dignity of the person, the free access to justice and social assistance, the right to labor.