Anton Cotici’s freedom and safety were restricted, NGOs

The Resource Center for Human Rights (CreDO) and the Moldova Institute for Human Rights (IDOM) consider that the right to free expression of Anton Cotici was violated in the last week meeting of the Communists Party with Ungehni voters, while his freedom and safety were restricted. The two NGOs reached such a conclusion after investigating the incident and discussing with Anton Cotici and several witnesses. CreDO head Sergiu Ostaf stated for Indo-Prim Neo that two bodyguards of the former head of state Vladimir Voronin immobilized Anton Conici as he insisted on obtaining an answer to a question that was ignored by the Communist leader. Consequently, he suffered minor injuries, which were confirmed by three independent experts, including a coroner. The two NGOs said Anton Cotici was not under the influence and did not have on him objects that could endanger somebody’s life. CreDO and IDOM recommend the police and the Prosecutor’s Office to appropriately investigate this case. Sergiu Ostaf believes the persons who committed those violations must be held accountable. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, spokesman for the State Guard and Protection Service Eugen Vitu said the Service will present a final conclusion in this case on November 21. Until then, the two officers will continue work. “The officers who commit crimes are suspended, but in the given case it was a work incident. The two bodyguards were obliged to distance the persons, who, according to them, had an inadequate behavior. If it is proved that they misused power, they will be punished administratively, depending on the results of the investigation,” said Eugen Vitu. After the incident, representatives of the Communists Party said Anton Cotici is an instigator who wanted to destabilize the situation during the party’s meeting with voters.