Moldovan Communist politician made racist statements publicly
Amnesty International Moldova calls on all authorized institutions to take action following the speech of a politician who insulted a colored person. In a press release issued today, Amnesty International informs that Vladimir Voronin, the head of the Communist Party of Moldova made racist statements addressed to John Onoje, a Moldovan citizen with a Sierra-Leonean background.
John Onoje participated in the meeting of a group near the Triumphal Arch from Chisinau, whereas Vladimir Voronin was addressing his supporters in the National Square. Mr. Voronin, the former President of the country, mentioned Onoje’s colour in his discourse, hurting his dignity.
“Such behaviour is inadmissible, moreover, it is liable to be prosecuted according to the law. Freedom of expression is not the right to insult anyone, especially in public in front of the cameras. Justice should not turn a blind eye on this case,” said Cristina Pereteatcu, Executive Director of Amnesty International Moldova.
Amnesty International Moldova calls on prosecutors as well as on MPs to get involved so that the statesman be held accountable for his racist remarks, states Amnesty International Moldova.
“Parliamentary immunity is not a ‘sacred cow’, it should not be used for washing one’s hands,” said Cristina Pereteatcu. “If such declarations are not condemned, it will be the case to say that ordinary people in Moldova can be aggressed verbally even by their elected representatives, whereas the latter are enjoying complete impunity.”
Some human rights defenders express concern on John Onoje, who could have been supposedly beaten in central Chisinau immediately after the protests ended. Amnesty International Moldova specifies that it supports neither party to the Moldovan political process, calling exclusively that human rights be upheld.
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of more than three million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries. It strives to defend human rights.
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