Tech & Rights

The Siege of Pungesti

On December 8, 2013, a special public safety area was declared in the village of Pungesti (Vaslui County, Romania) because of the occurring protests against Chevron, a company exploring for shale gas. Villagers live as if they were in a state of siege

by The Association for the Defense of Human Rights in Romania – the Helsinki Committee

Things are unchanged for five months. Significant numbers of law enforcement officers of the county police are deployed in the village, burdening the state budget without any real motivation, apart from the potential danger posed by the inhabitants to the U.S. company Chevron's site.

APADOR-CH released a report as early as December, following a visit to Pungești. It pointed out that the security measures are disproportionate and violate several fundamental rights and freedoms of the village's citizens.

In March 2014, four months after the establishment of the special public safety area, the People's Advocate (the Romanian Ombudsman) also declared that the security measures against citizens were disproportionate. It added that the measures were not brought to the attention of local authorities and citizens. It therefore asked the Ministry of Interior to investigate the situation.

Only now has the Ministry of Interior started to think about amending the Ministerial Order that allowed the establishment of the abusive siege of Pungesti. However, until this piece of legislation is effectively changed, the people from Pungesti will continue to live in a futile and abusive siege, all this only because they disagree with exploring for shale gas on their communal lands.

Donate to liberties

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

We’re grateful to all our supporters

Your contributions help us in the following ways

► Liberties remains independent
► It provides a stable income, enabling us to plan long-term
► We decide our mission, so we can focus on the causes that matter
► It makes us stronger and more impactful

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

Subscribe to stay in

the loop

Why should I?

You will get the latest reports before everyone else!

You can follow what we are doing for your right!

You will know about our achivements!

Show me a sample!