Minors, whose rights were breached in April 7 protests, can address children ombudswoman

The minors, whose rights were breached in April 7 protests, can address the children ombudswoman, Tamara Plamadeala, Info-Prim Neo reports. The ombudswoman can be called at 23 48 88 or visited in her office in the Human Rights Center, on Sfatul Tarii str., 16, in Chisinau. Earlier Tamara Plamadeala showed concerned about the fate of those eight children arrested on the first day of protests. The ombudswoman does not rule out the police may be applying physical and psychological torture on those children to quicker make them confess their guilt. And UNICEF has asked the Interior Ministry to make sure the rights of the children arrested after or because of the demonstrations are fully observed. The international law on juvenile justice acknowledges that minors can be sued in case there is evidence they breached the law, but they shall be treated in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Under the Convention, no child shall be subjected to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. In the case of minors, the detention shall be used as an exceptional measure. Any child deprived of freedom shall be isolated from adult inmates. He/she has the right to keep the connection with the family through correspondence and visits. Under the Moldovan Law, the children shall be freed or accused within 24 hours after being detained. Their parents should be immediately notified about their being held up, and they shall necessarily be assisted by a barrister when being interrogated.