SOLIDARITYWITHREPUBLICOFMOLDOVA

Pressrelease
Forimmediatedistribution
11thofApril,2009
ClujNapoca,Romania

Flagrant Human Rights Violations in Moldova

A large number of Moldovan citizens residing in Romania have taken it upon themselves to make the
international media aware of the situation in the Republic of Moldova, in light of the election fraud on the 5 th
of April, 2009. This message is transmitted on behalf of their families, their friends, and their colleagues
who fight to protect democracy in the Republic of Moldova.
They are the children of the national emancipation of 1989, they are the youth who were educated
under a communist regime, they are the young people who realized that the perfect glass bubble in which
they live is dusty and cracked, they are the youth who think they can change things through the power of
words and actions.
April 7 was the first day the impact was felt when thirty thousand young people gathered in Chisinau
at Piata Marii Adunari Nationale (The Great National Assembly Square or PMAN as referred to as an
acronym) and rekindled the hope of a free future. We were defied by the communist tyrants who tried to soil
our ideals and accused us of vandalism and violence. We know that freedom is expensive, but does blood
have to be the price? Do the statements of one person who mislead and manipulated an entire people in a
callus way stronger than the cries for help of a future generation? We need resolve to help the people who
had the courage to say NO. We need the support and strength of international institutions to safeguard
democracy.
Around 500 young people, many of whom are minors (according to official statistics, the true
statistics being hard to ascertain) have been taken from the streets of Chisinau by force, and only God knows
what has happened to them, because they had the courage, resolve, and strength to freely express their hopes
for liberty and justice. The people who had the courage to say NO are depending on the international
community to bolster their hope and resolve.
Monday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in Chisinau, there were around 30,000 people in Piata
Marii Adunari Nationale, the majority of them young. On Wednesday there were 8,000, and on Thursday
there were only 1,000. WHY?
The reason is that President Vladimir Voronin is issuing and acting on direct threats against anyone
who supports or allows the participation of Moldovan citizens in expressing their free opinion about the
election fraud on the 5th of April. He is carrying out these threats using the very state police and security
forces which are meant to to protect the rights of citizens.
These repressive actions which defy every democratic concept are the norm today, and are tearing
apart the fabric of democracy right at the doorstep of the European Union. While all this is occurring, the

European Union avoids taking any definite position regarding the terrorist manner in which the dictatorship
of the Republic of Moldova tries to suppress the conflict with the people. The president refuses any
meaningful dialog with the people, with no direct speeches or communication with the protesters.
In the name of those in Piata Marii Adunari Nationale who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice
their freedom for the freedoms of all Moldovans, and for the rights of Man.
LET US JOIN THEM!
We are calling upon a vital human right: THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. Therefore we call on the
members of the international press to:
Raise awareness and make active contributions regarding the situation in the Republic of Moldova
To depict the situation in local and national papers across the globe, accurately, fairly, and according to
the gravity of the situation in the Republic of Moldova, and to report the flagrant violation of human
rights by those entrusted with their defense.
The provide local communities with information and concrete examples of human rights violations
against people who are only trying to express their opinions peacefully.
To discernibly treat information provided by the state apparatus of the Republic of Moldova, who are
bent on pushing their own agenda of disinformation.
To support freedom of press in the Republic of Moldova, especially taking into consideration the fact that
the only sources of information for the common citizen public television and radio belongs to the state
apparatus. The private television stations are coerced through threats and blackmail by this same state
apparatus.
We are in the position to say these words, to talk, to shout, for the ones who have been severed from
democratic civilization. The censorship in the Republic of Moldova is the cause of mass confusion. The
activities which we carry out in Cluj are useful and necessary, we want them to be heard, and for this we will
do everything in our power. We are gathering signatures from anyone who believe that our position is just.
Please pay attention and support this cause!
LET US JOIN THEM!
For more details:
Natalia Ciobanu
e-mail: ciobanu_natalie@yahoo.com
+40763618169
Ana Cojocaru
e-mail: anutza_cojocaru@yahoo.com
+40752786030
Please visit our blog, to find out the most recent news:
http://moldovanprotestcluj.blogspot.com/