lawyers, the prosecutor investigating the case requested that representatives from
RCTV Memoria be present during the trial.
Thanks to RCTV Memoria’s intervention, the trial was monitored by NGOs (RCTV
Memoria and the Moldovan Institute for Human Rights) and by journalists. Taking
into account the complexity of the case and the inappropriate behaviour shown
by the defendants and their lawyers, the case was examined by a panel of three
judges. RCTV Memoria’s legal advisor attended three hearings, while RCTV
Memoria’s psychotherapist attended four court sessions. The psychotherapist
was called as an expert and also monitored Christopher’s health and mental state
during the proceedings.
The defence team tried to delay the proceedings and hearings were frequently
postponed. Unfortunately, since 2012 this case is still waiting to be heard by the
Appeal Court in Chisinau, where only 13 cases were heard between 2012 and 2014.
Meanwhile, the perpetrators are free and still working in the police force.
Christopher’s disappointment at the delays to the court hearings and lack of justice
affects his health, which continues to worsen. He and his family also feel intimidated
by the perpetrators. During the last two years, Christopher has continued to receive
psychological assistance, because of depression and other trauma consequences.
Some of IRCT’s members in this report have offered support to victims participating
in trials for crimes against humanity. EATIP in Argentina provides an example of the
support it offers to victims of the past military dictatorship and how it collaborates
with the courts. In addition, TPO Cambodia provides an example (see page 55) of how
it collaborated with the Khmer Rouge International Tribunal.
Argentina: EATIP explains how expert support
is provided to victims and witnesses in trials for
crimes against humanity
Trials for crimes against humanity generate in the direct victims and their
relatives an intense organic and/or emotional destabilisation that requires
specialised support. When providing treatment to groups or communities
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