PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 59/003/2007

26 June 2007

Further Information on UA 145/07 (EUR 59/001/2007, 11 June 2007) Possible prisoner of conscience/ health concern/ legal concern

MOLDOVA Valentin Besleag (m), aged 59

(SELF-PROCLAIMED DNESTR

MOLDAVIAN REPUBLIC)

Valentin Besleag was released from police detention on 17 June. He was reportedly not beaten in detention, but was held in an overcrowded cell with bad ventilation, where the other detainees all smoked. He is currently receiving medical treatment for pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

During his 15-day detention, Valentin Besleag was constantly taunted by police about his participation on the Moldovan side of the conflict between Moldova and separatist forces in 1990 – 1992. The police officersreminded him that his brother had been killed in the conflict in 1992. Valentin Besleag's family were not allowed to visit him during his detention.

Valentin Besleag was told that he was being charged with the administrative offence of distributing agitational materials, and he assumes that this was because of the election materials that he had brought back from Moldova in his car, but he has not been informed in writing why he was charged with this offence.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to those who sent appeals.