PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 59/007/2005

15 December 2005

Further Information on UA 292/05 (EUR 59/006/2005, 18 November 2005) - Torture and ill-treatment/medical concern/legal concern

MOLDOVA Sergei Gurgurov (m), aged 27

Sergei Gurgurov was released on bail on 9 December by the Chişinǎu Appeal Court, with the condition that he is not to leave his town of residence. Sergei Gurgurov was not well enough to attend the court hearing, as his health has reportedly been severely affected by police torture, but was sent home on a stretcher that day. The next day he underwent medical tests at the emergency medical hospital in Chişinǎu to determine what treatment he will require.

The Urgent Action has attracted a lot of attention in Moldova. The two lawyers working on Sergei Gurgurov’s case took part in a press conference organized by AI Moldova on 23 November and the press conference was covered by three TV stations and two radio stations as well as print media. On 24 November, a delegation from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment visited Sergei Gurgurov in the detention centre, and he has also received several visits from prosecutors, and from the Parliamentary Human Rights Advocates. Sergei Gurgurov had been transferred to the prison hospital in Prunkul on 2 December, but the hospital is badly equipped and was not able to carry out the tests necessary to determine the extent of his injuries.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals. The Director of AI Moldova visited the office of the Parliamentary Advocates and was able to see for himself the large number of letters that have been sent by members of the UA network.