“March of Silence” in Chisinau for Ludmila Vartic: “Never again”
On Sunday, March 29, dozens of people took part in the March of Silence, an event organized to honor Ludmila Vartic, a former teacher at the "Andries" Kindergarten in Hâncești and mother of two young girls, who passed away earlier in the month. The circumstances of her death are alleged to be a suicide, and it has been reported that she was a victim of domestic violence. Participants in the march called for a thorough investigation and the implementation of policies that protect women facing physical, psychological, and financial abuse.
The rain did not deter people from gathering in solidarity with all women facing difficult situations. Ludmila Vartic became the central symbol of the event, as her story touched everyone’s hearts.
"I embody the struggle of victims of domestic violence. We are here to support them and to draw attention to this serious societal issue, because what is happening is not normal at all."
"We must commemorate the situation of Ludmila Vartic—one that, in my opinion, has been both overlooked and exaggerated, not only regarding her case but the overall issue as well."
"We must stand up and speak out in her defense, in her memory, and for the sake of her children. Let's ensure that this does not happen again, that the laws are enforced, and that the rights of women, and all people in our republic, are protected."
The march was non-political:
"I believe it is the desire of society as a whole for justice to be served and the truth to be revealed, whatever that truth may be. We expected 500 people to attend, but the rain has influenced our turnout. We can see that even the sky is grieving, and those who truly care will come."
"We gathered to honor all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender or age, and to remember Ludmila Vartic. Symbolically, we are accompanying her on her final journey, as many did not have the opportunity to be present during her last moments."
Shortly after the case gained public attention, the victim’s husband, Dumitru Vartic, resigned as vice president of the Hâncești District Council and was expelled from the Action and Solidarity Party. He is now a suspect in the investigation into his wife’s death. Meanwhile, Vartic denies the accusations of violence against his wife, claiming that the tragedy followed serious health issues and depressive episodes experienced by her.
Initially, the General Inspectorate of Police opened two criminal investigations in this case: one for domestic violence and the other for instigation to commit suicide. These cases were later merged into a single case, which is being handled by the Prosecutor's Office in the Râșcani sector of the Chișinău municipality.
