Hundreds of people, including minors, were detained in Moldova following the demonstrations which started in the capital Chişinău on 6 April and led to rioting on 7 April 2009.

In a letter to President Vladimir Voronin Amnesty International is raising concerns regarding the excessive use of force by the police after the demonstrations, the widespread torture and degrading treatment in detention, the failure of the authorities to distinguish between people suspected of having committed crimes and people peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Please find attached Memorandum: Amnesty International’s concerns relating to policing during and after the events of 7 April 2009 in Chişinău, which includes cases of people some of whom Amnesty International has interviewed illustrating the organization’s concerns.