trial where sensitive cases of torture are at stake (such as in the case provided by RCTV Memoria, or by providing medical or psychological experts to testify. Many centres also highlight the need for courts and tribunals to establish effective victim and witness support and protection systems. Health and legal professionals working with torture victims can provide extensive expertise in setting up these systems so that victims of crimes such as torture are not re-traumatised by their experience at court. Moldova: How RCTV Memoria supports engagement in legal proceedings with a multi-disciplinary team In 2009, Christopher was arrested (together with his friend) while at college. He was taken to the police station by two policemen dressed in civilian clothes, who did not produce any identification. At the police station, the two were separated. Christopher heard his colleague screaming. After some time, Christopher was taken into the yard, where he was beaten. He then spent 20 days in two different police detention settings, being violently beaten with rigid objects, fists and feet, over the whole body and over the head including blows to the ears. He was strangulated for about 2 minutes, was forced to stay in the same position for several hours (at the wall with his hands up and forced not to move; any movement was punished with beatings). He was forced to hold a police shield in his hands while the perpetrators kicked the shield with their feet, causing him pain and humiliation. Toilet facilities were restricted; with no water for more than 24 hours and food for three days. He was repeatedly transferred (on at least seven occasions) to different police stations in the city centre and surrounding districts, without any explanation. As a result of this ill-treatment, his health significantly worsened and he was eventually hospitalised. Christopher’s case was referred to RCTV Memoria for medical assistance, documentation of the physical and psychological injuries from the torture and legal review by the centre’s legal advisor. RCTV Memoria offered legal and psychological support to Christopher during the criminal procedure. Throughout the investigation Christopher and his lawyer collaborated with RCTV Memoria’s legal advisor. After the first court hearing, and because of pressure and aggressive behaviour shown by the defendants and their 41