Analysis of the ECtHR decision on violation of Art. 3 by the Republic of Moldova through the application of torture, which caused the death of the detainee

The application of torture represents a serious violation of human rights. The absolute prohibition of the application of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment is stipulated in universal and regional standards. The prohibition of the application of torture is regulated by art. 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. However, after the ratification of the European Convention of Human Rights by the Republic of Moldova on 12 September 1997, the application of torture to the persons in state custody remains one of the most frequently found violations of art. 3. So, the application of ill-treatment remains a systemic problem within criminal justice. In the study we analyze the decision on the case Cantanagiu vs. Republic of Moldova application no. 13013/11 of 15 February 2011 decision 24 March 2020, in which the European Court of human rights found violation by the Republic of Moldova of art. 3 by applying torture to the applicant and his brother, which led to the death of his brother and the non-investigation of the application of ill-treatment by the authorities. The importance of this decision is manifested in the finding of violation of art. 2 and 3 of the Convention by the application of torture, which caused death to the detainee. In this study, we analyze the conclusions of the High Court, the negative obligations of the state, determined by the provisions of art. 2 and 3 of the Convention, examine the positive obligations of the authorities, which are manifested in the efficient and effective investigation of the reported violations, as well as the analysis of the importance of this decision in the realization of the rights of victims of torture in the Republic of Moldova.