“Memory, Truth, Justice”: April 7, 2009 events commemorated in PMAN
Seventeen years after the protests on April 7, 2009, passersby will be invited to take a moment to reflect and answer the question of what happened that day. The commemoration will be held in the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN) in Chisinau.
The Amnesty International Moldova Association, as the organizer, states that this initiative aims to demand justice for the victims and to preserve the events of 17 years ago in the collective memory.
A large banner will be displayed in front of the Government building, featuring the question: "What happened on April 7, 2009?" Passers-by will have the opportunity to write their opinions, reflections, and memories on the banner.
Amnesty International Moldova emphasizes that "the action creates space for public discussions about memory, truth, and justice."
The event will begin at 07:00 in the morning, and the banner will remain in the square until 19:00.
The Communist Party won a majority in Parliament for the third time following the April 5, 2009 elections. Viewing the elections as fraudulent, over 30,000 opposition supporters, particularly young people, organized protests in the capital's center.
The demonstrations were initially peaceful but escalated when protesters stormed the Parliament and Presidential buildings. The unrest resulted in material damage estimated at 146 million lei, as well as the burning of the original Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Moldova and numerous documents from the Parliament Archives.
Clashes between protesters and law enforcement led to injuries on both sides. During the night of April 7-8, dozens of young people were detained, with many reportedly mistreated in police custody. Authorities confirmed only one death, that of Valeriu Boboc, who was beaten to death in the Great National Assembly Square. However, civil society organizations reported that there were likely more victims, claiming at least five deaths related to law enforcement abuses.
In response to complaints filed after April 7, 2009, and on their own referrals, prosecutors opened over 70 investigations, most focusing on allegations of torture. Civil society accused the authorities of failing to uncover the truth and ensure fair justice. More than 600 individuals who were mistreated did not receive justice from an independent judicial system, and those responsible for the abuses were either exonerated or not prosecuted at all.
In 2012, Parliament designated April 7 as "Freedom Day" to honor the young people who peacefully protested for freedom and democracy.
