The case of Ghenadi Kuzmiciov, former head of the so-called Interior Department in the Transnistrian region, detained since 2018, exposes several systemic issues. Kuzmiciov was allegedly abducted from the right bank of the Dniester River with the involvement of Moldovan law enforcement representatives and forcibly taken to and detained in the Transnistrian region. Another critical issue raised is the lack of access to adequate medical care. Deprived of necessary treatment, Kuzmiciov's health has deteriorated severely. Lawyers from Promo-LEX and the "Embassy of Human Rights" Association are urging authorities and international missions to intervene for his release.
"We remind you that Mr. Ghenadi Kuzmiciov was abducted from territory controlled by constitutional authorities with the participation of Moldovan law enforcement representatives. A criminal case has been initiated in this regard. However, despite the significant time elapsed, the case remains under investigation. This is not an isolated incident; there are rulings from the European Court of Human Rights confirming illegal transfers of individuals to the Tiraspol administration", said lawyer Vadim Vieru at a press conference hosted by IPN.
According to him, Kuzmiciov's health condition is another major concern. Diagnosed with severe illnesses, including cancer, he urgently requires qualified medical intervention. "The state of the so-called penitentiaries in the Transnistrian region is deplorable. This is not merely a statement but a fact established in ECHR rulings on human rights violations in the region", Vieru emphasized.
Additionally, Kuzmiciov has not been formally informed of the charges against him or the reasons for his conviction. A troubling aspect noted by the lawyer is a so-called Transnistrian law that allows individuals filing complaints with Moldova's constitutional authorities to be investigated and prosecuted.
"Immediately after this press conference, we, as his lawyers, will submit the necessary appeals to various institutions, starting with the Bureau for Reintegration, which represents Moldova's government, as well as international missions and organizations with mandates to protect human rights, including those in Transnistria. These include the OSCE and the United Nations. We will also notify other relevant political entities", Vieru said.
Lawyer Natalia Turcan noted that this abduction case received significant media attention six years ago. Near Chisinau, on a public road, Kuzmiciov was forcibly abducted and taken to the Transnistrian region, where he was imprisoned. Since then, his health has deteriorated drastically, necessitating urgent medical assistance. Efforts by his family and lawyers to secure access to adequate medical care have been ignored. "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 Kuzmiciov's immediate release and provide him with the necessary medical care", Turcan said.
Kuzmiciov, the former head of the so-called Interior Department in the Transnistrian region, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling. Lawyers allege that he was abducted and denied an effective investigation into his case.
Note: IPN provides the right of reply to individuals who consider themselves affected by its news articles, including by facilitating press conferences under similar conditions.
