DECLARATION REGARDING THE INACTION OF POLICE FORCES

Wrangles that could degenerate into violence with unpredictable consequences took place under the eyes of the prosecutors from the General Prosecutor’s Office, who refused to intervene in order to end violence and restore public order. Many insistent calls were addressed by protesters to the police forces asking to intervene and restore public order, but those were ignored by the latter. Comparing this situation to what happened on 29th of January, when Anatol Mătăsaru was arrested, the Coalition concludes with indignation that police intervenes to limit freedom of expression and assembly, but ignores the legal requirement to ensure public safety and security of individual citizens, who were exercising peacefully on 3rd of February their rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Coalition qualifies the inaction of police and prosecutors as an act that seriously undermines the freedom of expression and assembly, blots out the civic and political activism of Moldovan citizens and implicitly the democracy, as well as free and fair elections in Moldova.

Taking into consideration the previous statement regarding the insurance of political rights of citizens, the Coalition 2009 notes, with great concern, that this case had a direct impact on political rights and freedoms, which, although guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, are not ensured and guaranteed by the state. The lack of appropriate actions from the police and prosecutors’ side impacts the civic and political activism of Moldovan citizens, transforming citizens from active agents in the processes of governance in passive and misinformed recipients, subjected to a police regime, which displays more frequently during the elections. Along these lines, the Coalition 2009 urges the Ombdusman institution to take action for defense of human rights, and the Parliament, Government and the President of Moldova to ensure unconditional respect for human rights and political freedoms of citizens – essential precondition for free and fair elections.