Promo-LEX calls for release of Vadim Pogorletchi, held illegally for nearly 3 years on Nistru’s left bank; Reintegration Office says case is under constant monitoring.
The Promo-LEX Association has launched the campaign "Freedom for Vadim Pogorletchi: 2 years and 11 months of illegal detention in total isolation." Through this campaign, they are urging the relevant authorities to take immediate action to secure the release of the civic activist who is being unlawfully held in the Transnistrian region. Additionally, the Reintegration Policy Bureau of the Republic of Moldova emphasizes that Vadim Pogorletchi's case remains a priority. They have submitted multiple appeals to Tiraspol and international partners regarding his situation.
According to Promo-LEX, Vadim Pogorletchi has been illegally detained for over 1,000 days in Penitentiary No. 3 in Tiraspol, under conditions that are considered inhumane and degrading. He faces charges from the Transnistrian authorities for “treason” and for “denying the positive role of Russian peacekeeping forces,” despite not holding citizenship in the self-proclaimed “RMN.”
If convicted on these charges, Pogorletchi risks a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Promo-LEX asserts that his detention is a politically motivated reprisal due to his criticism of the Tiraspol regime.
During his entire period of detention, Vadim Pogorletchi has reportedly been held in total isolation, without the right to receive letters, make phone calls, or have any contact with the outside world. Correspondence sent by relatives has been returned to sender, and he has been denied access to procedural documents.
Testimonies from former prisoners released from the region indicate that Pogorletchi is confined in unheated, overcrowded, and insect-infested cells, without access to running water or adequate food. He also lacks access to medical services. During the winter energy crisis, he was reportedly subjected to extremely low temperatures, falling below 5°C.
Second illegal detention; ECHR ruled in his favor previously
This is not the first time Vadim Pogorletchi has faced unlawful imprisonment in Transnistrian region. Between 2010 and 2015, he was incarcerated in Penitentiary No. 1 in Tiraspol and also in the Hlinaia penitentiary. In 2019, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in his favor, confirming the illegal and abusive nature of his previous detention.
Promo-LEX states that the current charges are directly connected to Pogorletchi’s civic activities and his public criticisms of the unrecognized authorities in Tiraspol.
Through the “Freedom for Vadim Pogorletchi” campaign, Promo-LEX demands that the Chisinau authorities urgently utilize all available means to secure Pogorletchi’s immediate and unconditional release. The organization also calls for “access to an independent doctor to assess his current medical condition and treatment needs.”
Reintegration Policy Office: The case is under constant surveillance
The Reintegration Policy Office indicates that Vadim Pogorletchi’s case is continually monitored by the Republic of Moldova’s authorities, who have repeatedly appealed to Tiraspol for his unconditional release.
“Multiple complaints have been sent to the political representative in the negotiation process for the Transnistrian settlement, requesting the immediate and unconditional release of citizen Vadim Pogorletchi. These appeals also seek clarification of the circumstances regarding the abusive and illegal actions to which he has been subjected, the prevention of inhumane or degrading treatment against him, and the provision of appropriate medical assistance,” the Office's press release states.
Officials from Chisinau affirm that they will renew diplomatic and legal efforts with Tiraspol and relevant international partners to secure the immediate release and restoration of rights for the Moldovan citizen. “Furthermore, all available mechanisms will be used to ensure the fulfillment of the state’s responsibilities regarding the protection and restoration of Vadim Pogorletchi’s fundamental rights and to secure his release from illegal detention,” reads the press release.
Vadim Pogorletchi is originally from Tiraspol and is recognized for his civic and human rights activities. He was involved in the management of publications critical of the Tiraspol regime from 2000 to 2008.
