Moldova's Ombudsman investigates possible cases of harassment, violence following death of soldier in Floresti

The mechanisms for upholding human rights in the National Army did not work fully, especially those related to psychological support and the prevention of intimidation, violence or bullying, says Ombudsman Ceslav Panico. The notification comes in the context of the death of a contract soldier, which occurred this weekend while on duty in Floresti.

Ceslav Panico initiated an ex officio investigation following the death of a contract soldier, which occurred this weekend while on duty in Floresti, and announced that he would thoroughly analyze all circumstances, including the effectiveness of the internal investigation, in a public report.

“I have reasonable grounds to believe that, in this case, the mechanisms for upholding human rights were not fully functional, especially those related to the psychological support provided to the soldier. There are also reasonable suspicions that the mechanisms for preventing intimidation, violence and bullying, as well as those for internal and external reporting of such situations, did not work effectively. All these aspects, including the way the internal investigation was carried out, will be analyzed in detail and reflected in a public report by the Ombudsman,” said Ceslav Panico.

At the same time, Ceslav Panico draws attention to the fact that problems related to the safety and protection of soldiers’ rights are not isolated, noting that in recent years, he had also initiated ex officio investigations in other serious cases in the National Army.

“I remind that, over the past few years, I have initiated ex officio investigations in other serious cases that occurred in the National Army, including the death of a conscript soldier or issues related to conscription procedures. Special reports have been drafted, complaints have been filed in courts and multiple recommendations have been submitted to the Defence Ministry, in order to improve the safety, psychological health and protection of soldiers’ rights, which unfortunately remain largely unimplemented,” he says.

The Ombudsman urges the Defence Ministry and the Chief of the General Staff to fully cooperate with the Ombudsman’s Office, in order to clarify the situation and protect the rights of soldiers, emphasizing that previous recommendations for improving safety and psychological health remain largely unimplemented.

A 24-year-old contract soldier, who was serving in a unit in the Floresti garrison, was wounded by a gunshot from his service weapon while carrying out his missions.

The incident occurred on January 20, 2026, at around 10:50 The soldier was urgently transported to the hospital; however, he died the next morning.