Moldova's Commission for the Study and Evaluation of the Totalitarian Communist Regime
In a significant move toward historical accountability, the Republic of Moldova established a formal body to investigate the legacy of totalitarianism. On January 14, 2010, Acting President and Speaker Mihai Ghimpu issued a decree creating the Commission for the Study and Evaluation of the Totalitarian Communist Regime in the Republic of Moldova. This initiative was designed to systematically examine and document the systemic abuses and crimes associated with the Soviet era.
The Mandate and Scope of Investigation
The commission was tasked with a comprehensive study of claims regarding crimes committed under the Soviet regime. The scope of this investigation spanned several critical periods of the nation's history, specifically focusing on the former Moldavian SSR from 1940 to 1991. Additionally, the commission's mandate extended to the period before 1940, during which the region existed as an autonomous republic within the Ukrainian SSR.
The primary objectives of the commission were to deliver a detailed report by June 1, 2010, and to publish multiple volumes of documentation. These publications were intended to highlight the main aspects of Soviet-era crimes and other significant human rights infringements.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Legal Framework and Leadership
The establishment of the commission was not an isolated political act but was grounded in both national and international legal standards. Presidential decree no. 165 was issued in accordance with Article 94 of the 1994 Constitution of Moldova, as well as resolutions 1096/1996 and 1481/2006 from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The commission was led by a team of historians and experts:
- Gheorghe E. Cojocaru: Head of the Commission.
- Igor Cașu: Vice President (who previously contributed to the Presidential Commission for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Romania).
- Sergiu Musteață: Vice President.
- Mihail Taşcă: Secretary.
Historical Significance
The creation of the commission was viewed by observers as a pivotal moment in Moldova's political evolution. Vladimir Tismăneanu noted that the gesture by Interim President Mihai Ghimpu demonstrated political will and morality, signaling that the official condemnation of the communist dictatorship as illegitimate and criminal had become inevitable. This move aligned Moldova with other states, such as Romania, that sought to address the destruction of human liberties under Bolshevik rule.
Key Facts
- Established: January 14, 2010, via decree by Acting President Mihai Ghimpu.
- Timeframe Studied: Pre-1940 (Ukrainian SSR autonomy) and 1940–1991 (Moldavian SSR).
- Legal Basis: Moldova's 1994 Constitution and Council of Europe resolutions.
- Primary Goal: To evaluate crimes of the totalitarian communist regime and human rights violations.
- Key Leadership: Led by historian Gheorghe E. Cojocaru.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Decree Number | No. 165 |
| Reporting Deadline | June 1, 2010 |
| Key Figures | Mihai Ghimpu, Gheorghe E. Cojocaru, Igor Cașu |
| International Influence | Council of Europe Resolutions 1096/1996 & 1481/2006 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the commission established?
The commission was established on January 14, 2010, through a decree issued by Acting President Mihai Ghimpu.
What specific time periods did the commission investigate?
The commission studied the period from 1940 to 1991 (the Moldavian SSR) and the period prior to 1940 when the area was an autonomous republic within the Ukrainian SSR.
Who led the commission?
The commission was headed by historian Gheorghe E. Cojocaru, with Igor Cașu and Sergiu Musteață serving as vice presidents and Mihail Taşcă as secretary.
What was the legal basis for the commission's creation?
It was created based on Article 94 of the Constitution of Moldova (1994) and resolutions 1096/1996 and 1481/2006 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
What were the expected outputs of the commission?
The commission was mandated to produce a report by June 1, 2010, and publish several volumes of documents detailing Soviet crimes and human rights infringements.