Prime Minister Viasile Tofan supports the construction of a new prison outside the capital and the sale of the land currently occupied by Prison No. 13.
“We have a prison in the centre of Chișinău — on the most expensive land in Chișinău — and we’re keeping prisoners there. With all due respect, it could just as easily be in Băcioi, somewhere on the outskirts, or wherever we want to build it. And this land in the centre of Chișinău must be put to use for things that will bring money to the state. Let it be a hotel, an office block. Let it be whatever it may be, but let’s not have the country’s criminals staying there, in the most luxurious spot, where it costs 50,000 to 100,000 euros per ar. “So we must move the prison out of the city. And this land, where the current prison stands, should be sold so that the state can raise funds,” the Prime Minister stated.
Alexandru Flenchea argued in favour of preserving the historic building. He noted that the prison walls hold memories of Grigore Kotovski, those involved in the events of 7 April 2009, and those implicated in the ‘Theft of the Billion’ case.
“Let’s not allow the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to behave like the Bolsheviks. Let’s fight to prevent this building from losing its historical value. Of course, the site must be put to good use, but this building – or rather, what remains of it, as it was severely damaged by the 1940 earthquake – must be preserved.”
Prison No. 13 in the centre of Chișinău has a history stretching back over a century. The building’s design is attributed to the Italian-born architect Giorgio (G.) Torricelli, who is also known for his work in Odessa.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
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