Moldovans commemorate six months since mass unrest and repression on April 7

Right after legislative elections on April 5, several NGOs and opposition politicians organized mass protests in downtown Chisinau. On April 6, these demonstrations were generally peaceful. On the morning of April 7, as more and more Moldovans trickled in downtown, a group of protesters began vandalizing the Parliament and Presidential buildings. Security forces decided not to get involved to stop the vandalism, which resulted in the devastation of a few floors in both buildings.

On the night of April 7, however, security forces began a repression campaign. They detained many of the people who were still downtown at the time. Hundreds of men and women, mostly young, were taken to police stations or unknown locations, where many were beaten and tortured. At least one death, that of Valeriu Boboc, has been tied to the repression.

Until now, only one police officer has been officially investigated in a torture case. The policeman is accused of beating and torturing a 15-year-old boy until he fainted. Afterwards, he tried to get the boy's parents not to press charges by offering them 300 Euros, a computer, and to pay for medical expenses. The parents refused.

Justice Minister Alexandru Tanase promised today to form an official investigation committee to identify the security forces that mistreated protesters.

The political crisis in Moldova deepened after these events, as then-President Vladimir Voronin accused both the opposition and Romania of trying to stage a coup. As a result, the opposition refused to grant the one additional vote the Communists needed to elect their own presidential candidate, which led to early legislative elections on July 29.