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OSCE/ODIHR urges Moldovan Government to investigate apprehension of Gagauz politician
WARSAW 8 March 2002
WARSAW, 8 March 2002 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today urged the Government of Moldova to investigate in a transparent manner the circumstances of the apprehension of Ivan Burgudji, a Gagauz politician and head of the legal department of the People's Assembly of the autonomous region of Gagauzia. The OSCE's human rights office also called on the Government to provide information on Mr. Burgudji's whereabouts.
According to information received by the OSCE/ODIHR, Mr. Burgudji was beaten and apprehended in his office in Comrat yesterday by unidentified civilians allegedly carrying automatic guns. Reportedly no arrest warrant was presented to him, and there is no information available on his whereabouts. This raises serious concerns about Mr. Burgudji's safety and well-being.
Acting on behalf of the Gagauz authorities, Mr. Burgudji was involved in a successful attempt to obstruct a disputed referendum organized in late February with the support of the Moldovan central authorities to oust the region's governor. The referendum had been announced by parts of the Gagauz People's assembly in violation of current Gagauz legislation. On 27 February, the Prosecutor General of Moldova opened a criminal case in connection with the obstruction of the referendum against Mr. Burgudji, as well as the governor of the Gagauz autonomous region, Mr. Dmitri Croitor, and the chairman of the People's Assembly, Mr. Mikhail Kendighelian.
According to information received by the OSCE/ODIHR, Mr. Burgudji was beaten and apprehended in his office in Comrat yesterday by unidentified civilians allegedly carrying automatic guns. Reportedly no arrest warrant was presented to him, and there is no information available on his whereabouts. This raises serious concerns about Mr. Burgudji's safety and well-being.
Acting on behalf of the Gagauz authorities, Mr. Burgudji was involved in a successful attempt to obstruct a disputed referendum organized in late February with the support of the Moldovan central authorities to oust the region's governor. The referendum had been announced by parts of the Gagauz People's assembly in violation of current Gagauz legislation. On 27 February, the Prosecutor General of Moldova opened a criminal case in connection with the obstruction of the referendum against Mr. Burgudji, as well as the governor of the Gagauz autonomous region, Mr. Dmitri Croitor, and the chairman of the People's Assembly, Mr. Mikhail Kendighelian.