Update to Response to Information Request MDA29378.E of 7 May 1998 on the situation of homosexuals (1 January 1998 - May 1998) [MDA29439.E]

A letter sent to the Research Directorate on 10 May 1998 by the chairman of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova in Chisinau states:

There have been no reported to/by the Committee cases of violence against homosexuals based on their sexual orientation in 1998 in Moldova.

Correspondingly, there is no information on the state authorities' reaction.

After the abrogation of the criminal provisions on homosexuals, there seems to be no active manifestations against them, although the population is not particularly happy about their sexual orientations. They do not tend to show these orientations in the public too much, therefore do not present a hot issue for the population. There is no clear evidence of their harassment or discrimination.

In the case of Transdnister region the criminal law still punishes homosexual relations (including deprivation of liberty). Due to the practical impossibility of accessing sources of information in the region we can only rely on private sources on this issue (e.g. representatives of police).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference


Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau. 10 May 1998. Letter sent to the Research Directorate by the chairperson.