Moldovan former minister says police are communist 'tool'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moldovan former minister says police are communist 'tool', 6 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49904c71c.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 06, 2009
CHISINAU – Former Interior Minister Victor Catan has told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that the police are being used as a tool of the ruling Communist Party.
Catan was making reference to a peaceful rally on February 4 at which police did not intervene after attacks by masked men left several protesters injured.
Catan – who was interior minister from 1992-1997 – said that police in the past helped "safeguard the country's integrity and independence" but that they are now "just playing politics."
Several NGOs and human rights organizations have condemned police "inactivity" when it comes to protecting protesters. They have also expressed concern over the safety of voters during the April 5 parliamentary elections.
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