Documents/Appeals

Appeal to the Council of Europe and the Congress of Local and Regional Powers
Chisinau, 23 May 2003

Honourable Congress,

The latest developments on the eve of the upcoming general local elections related to the personality of Serafim Urecheanu, candidate registered under no. 1 with the Central Electoral Commission for the position of General Mayor of Chisinau, have determined me to bring to the attention of the local and international public opinions the flagrant violations committed by the leadership of the Republic of Moldova.

Apart from the calumnies published in the mass media about me, the current rulers have also reverted to the most drastic methods and actions, intended to exclude me from the ongoing electoral campaign, including the fabrication of various legally unfounded charges against me.

On 20 May 2003, the investigator of the Department for Criminal Investigations of the Ministry for Internal Affairs Ion Filip summoned me to give testimony as witness, according to Article 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in the case of Constantin Becciev (General Director of Joint Stock Company "Apa-Canal").

Since I am an electoral candidate at present, and I have the constitutional right to judicial assistance, according to Article 26 of the Constitution, and since my lawyer is busy with other court trials, I have sent an official letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs requesting to delay the hearing with the criminal investigator until after the elections.

On 21 May 2003 the investigator Ion Filip sent me a telegram asking me to appear in court at 8.30 on that day. One hour later I had to announce the investigator that my lawyer is not available to assist me. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has ignored my arguments and summoned me with forced arrest to give testimony in the said case.

These actions are breaching my rights and electoral immunity and make me cancel my meetings with the voters in the municipality.

I have learnt from trustworthy sources that the central authorities want to isolate me, by arrest or detention, in order to denigrate me in from of my voters.

Honourable Congress, I assure you and the Moldovan public opinion that I am perfectly aware of my duty to respect the laws and will give the said testimony before court immediately after the elections. The Moldovan Constitution and the criminal laws allow me to do this.

Please take note of my complaint and help to the extent possible to defend my constitutional rights as a candidate for the position of General Mayor of Chisinau.

Serafim Urechean,
Chairperson of the Federation of Local and Regional Powers of Moldova