Ludmila Vartic case sparks call by Women's Law Center to criminalize “Femicide” in Republic of Moldova
The Women's Law Center (WLC) is advocating for the establishment of a distinct crime of "femicide" in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova. This request follows the tragic death of Ludmila Vartic, the wife of the vice-president of the Hâncești District Council. The WLC argues that Ludmila's death raises significant concerns regarding the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.
The Women's Law Center calls on the criminal justice system to thoroughly investigate Ludmila's death as a potential crime of domestic violence and to hold the aggressor accountable.
Additionally, the Center urges that the case be examined through the lens of gender-based violence. This includes recognizing acts of psychological, physical, and economic violence as well as coercive control exerted over the victim. The Center highlights the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decision in the case of Vieru v. Republic of Moldova, which identified a lack of due diligence in the investigation of a suicide case, resulting in violations of Articles 2, 3, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Center also requests an independent investigation, following the guidelines established by the ECtHR in the case of A. and B v. Georgia. This is especially pertinent when the alleged aggressors are public officials or law enforcement employees. The responsibility of the authorities should be emphasized in light of Articles 2 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Moreover, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is urged to introduce a distinct crime of “femicide” into the Special Part of the Criminal Code.
While the Women's Law Center acknowledges that defining femicide in the General Part of the Criminal Code is a significant step, they argue it is insufficient for the effective prosecution of femicide cases. They assert that the definition must be supported by distinct legal provisions in the Special Part of the Criminal Code, particularly in Chapter II, which addresses crimes against life and health.
The Center believes that to effectively combat this issue, it is essential to reform criminal legislation by defining femicide as a separate crime with clear constitutive elements and appropriate sanctions. This approach aligns with international standards and would strengthen the protection of women, improve data collection, and enhance the accountability of state institutions in preventing and punishing violence against women.
The institution stresses the need for authorities to investigate the case with utmost diligence, impartiality, and sensitivity regarding the aspects of gender violence. This includes analyzing the context of the violence and identifying circumstances that could indicate a case of femicide.
The Women's Law Center pointed out, "Even if law enforcement is treating the case as a potential suicide, both national and international experiences show that systemic domestic violence, humiliation, isolation, and control can drive women to a state of hopeless despair. In such cases, a woman’s death cannot be viewed outside the context of the gender-based violence she experienced."
Ludmila Vartic, a former teacher at the "Andrieș" kindergarten, mother of two daughters, and wife of Dumitru Vartic, the vice president of the Hâncești District Council from the Action and Solidarity Party, died on March 3 after allegedly falling from the 11th floor of a residential building in the capital. Various non-governmental organizations and activists have classified this case as femicide, alleging that she was a victim of abuse by her partner.
According to the National Coordinating Council for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, over 20 cases of femicide were recorded in 2025.
