[prisoner-rights] Moldova: Council of Europe Anti-Torture Committee publishes report on Transnistrian region

Strasbourg, 12.12.2002 - Following its first visit, in November 2000, to the
Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (a region which unilaterally
declared itself an independent republic in 1991), the Anti-Torture Committee
of the Council of Europe drafted a report highlighting the severe
overcrowding of penitentiary establishments. It also expressed great concern
about the inadequate level of care provided to prisoners suffering from
tuberculosis. In their response, the local authorities of the Transnistrian
region describe various measures taken to tackle these problems but also
stress that progress is hindered by a lack of funds.

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) draws attention to the significant
number of detained persons, interviewed by its delegation, who alleged
ill-treatment by the police. It recommends a strengthening of fundamental
safeguards against ill-treatment as well the stepping up of professional
training for law enforcement officials. Measures to improve the poor
conditions in the detention facility at Tiraspol Police Headquarters are
also identified. The local authorities of the Transnistrian region emphasise
their willingness to implement the CPT's recommendations and highlight
various specific steps already taken.

In response to concerns expressed by the CPT about the solitary confinement
regime applied to three members of the Ilascu group, the local authorities
of the Transnistrian region affirm that the prisoners concerned were
isolated at their own request. One of those prisoners, the parliamentarian
Ilie Ilascu, was released on 5 May 2001.

The report on the November 2000 visit is published today, with the agreement
of both the authorities of the Republic of Moldova and the local authorities
of the Transnistrian region. The local authorities' responses have also been
made public. Both documents are available in English and Russian on the
CPT's website: (http://www.cpt.coe.int).


Press Release
Council of Europe Spokesperson and Press Division
Ref: 637a02