Moldovan president calls on people who hold real information about case of woman dead of suicide to cooperate with investigation

President Maia Sandu today commented on the tragic suicide case of Ludmila Vartic, emphasizing the failures of the community and of the institutions involved, as well as the importance of cooperation with the investigation. The head of state made a firm call to people who hold real information to support the authorities in clarifying all circumstances and urged society to be vigilant and report cases of domestic violence.

“This is a failure of the Action and Solidarity’s (PAS) team in Hancesti, because I find it hard to believe that no one on the team knew about this situation. It is also a failure of the Hancesti community; I am referring to acquaintances, work colleagues, the people around this woman. We are talking about a community in which she lived, and the fact that no one noticed anything is hard to believe. Most likely, people chose not to see,” said Maia Sandu.

The president also criticized the way the first suicide attempt was handled by the hospital:

“The situation at the hospital is serious, where the management did not report the first suicide attempt. Even if the former management says they did not do this at the victim’s request, in order not to affect her workplace, the law must be respected under any circumstances.”

Maia Sandu made a direct call to those affected by domestic violence:

“I strongly urge you to ask for help. If you do not trust local institutions, contact the national institutions. Consult the website of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence and use the available phone numbers. There are people who can help you and it is essential that you take this step.”

At the same time, the Moldovan president warned against speculation and false information:

“I have seen a great deal of false information and discussions. I call on people who hold real information about this case to cooperate with the investigation. Those who do not have verified information should avoid speculations. They do not help the investigation or the victim’s family; they only create confusion and additional difficulties.”

The head of state stressed that investigating such cases needed time and professionalism:

“I ask you to be responsible and understand that such cases cannot be investigated in a few days or weeks. It is important to keep the subject in the public eye, but not to discredit the investigation. It must be carried out properly, based on evidence.”

Maia Sandu concluded with a message of social responsibility:

“Each of us can help prevent similar tragedies. Let us pay attention to what is happening around us, speak up, intervene and provide support to those in need. We must ensure that such cases are not repeated.”

Ludmila Vartic, a kindergarten teacher in Hancesti, died after reportedly throwing herself from a block of flats in Chisinau, on March 3, this year. The woman is said to have been subjected for many years to violence by her husband, Dumitru Vartic, who at the time of his wife’s death was serving as deputy head of the Hancesti district.

The General Police Inspectorate has initiated two criminal proceedings in connection with the death of Ludmila Vartic. The first case concerns the circumstances of the woman’s death, while the second one investigates the situation in the family. Dumitru Vartic has the status of suspect in the case of his wife’s suicide.