The health condition of Ghenadi Kuzmichiov, abducted from the Republic of Moldova in 2018 and detained in a Transnistrian prison, has significantly deteriorated. Diagnosed with multiple severe illnesses, including cancer, his lawyers from Promo-LEX and the Human Rights Embassy Association are appealing for access to qualified medical care. Without the necessary treatment, the unrecognized authorities in the Transnistrian region are effectively condemning him to death, the defenders argue.
In a press conference held at IPN, lawyer Natalia Țurcan stated that this abduction case was widely covered six years ago. Near Chisinău, along a highway, Ghenadi Kuzmichiov was forcibly abducted and taken to the Transnistrian region, where he was placed in detention. Since then, his health has worsened dramatically, requiring urgent medical assistance. Requests from his family and lawyers for access to qualified medical care have been ignored.
"At the beginning of October 2024, his condition suddenly worsened. He was transferred to the prison’s medical unit in Hlinaia village, Grigoriopol district, where he remains. It was established that his condition is extremely serious, and the facility is unable to provide adequate care. He was taken to the hospital in Tiraspol, where he was diagnosed with several severe conditions, including bilateral severe pneumonia, kidney cancer with liver metastases, and coronary artery disease. Despite this, he was sent back to the prison’s medical unit, where he cannot receive the necessary treatment for his illnesses," the lawyer explained.
Natalia Turcan emphasized that while Ghenadi Kuzmichiov's abduction on Moldovan territory could not be prevented, his life can still be saved. "We appeal to all national and international organizations, diplomatic missions, and anyone who can use their authority to influence the Transnistrian structures to secure Ghenadi Kuzmichiov’s immediate release and provide him with the adequate medical care he urgently needs," she added.
Nicolae Tulusniuc, Kuzmichiov’s uncle, who witnessed the abduction, recalled being stopped on the road by a patrol unit under the pretext of speeding. Ghenadi was placed in a vehicle and taken to the left bank of the Dniester River. Despite the incident being a clear abduction, the authorities have not properly investigated the case. "We have a single request for the authorities of the Republic of Moldova: to get involved and contribute to Kuzmichiov's release," the uncle said.
According to Promo-LEX lawyer Vadim Vieru, Kuzmichiov’s case highlights several systemic issues that have been documented by the association's experts over time. One such issue is the abduction itself, reportedly involving representatives of Moldovan law enforcement agencies. A criminal case was initiated, but it remains unresolved. Another critical problem is the inadequate access to medical care for individuals detained in Transnistrian penitentiaries, particularly for those suffering from severe illnesses.
Former head of the so-called Internal Affairs Department on the left bank of the Dniester River, Ghenadi Kuzmichiov, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on charges of smuggling. His lawyers have alleged that he was abducted and denied a fair investigation.
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