Detention conditions for minors remain poor

The unprofessional legal assistance, delay in examining the legal cases and poor detention conditions are among the most often problems faced by the minor who come into conflict with the law. The office lawyers do not take the necessary measures to defend these children. They often discuss with the children only before the trial, the Center for Human Rights says in a communiqué, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Seven minors are held in penitentiary No. 11 in Balti, which was visited by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Moldovanu, ombudswoman for children’s rights Tamara Plamadeala, and UNICEF Representative in Moldova Silvia Lupan. Five of them were convicted of murder, one of rape, while the last one of theft. All of them are from underprivileged families or lack parental care. The ombudswoman said the education process in the penitentiary has improved despite the mentioned problems. The prison has a well-equipped classroom. There is a psychologist, a social assistant and several doctors who work with the minors. In the meeting of the National Council on the Protection of Children’s Rights on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Moldovanu said the central and local authorities and the development partners should join efforts in order to improve the detention conditions for minors who commit offenses and to reintegrate them into the community.