The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Monday denied allegations of excessive checks levelled by Calin Georgescu on a television show.
"The Romanian Police, the Romanian Gendarmerie, as well as the other special departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs carry out their activity exclusively in the application and within the limits of the law, in compliance with the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens. The operational missions are carried out transparently, equidistantly and without any political interference, with the objective of protecting public order, preventing and combating crime and achieving the safety of citizens," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
Road checks and other current activities of the MAI departments are carried out in accordance with the Constitution and national legislation, being a common practice in all democratic countries.
According to MAI, the Police is obliged to verify citizens' complaints and reports in the public environment regarding violations of legal norms, as well as to adopt measures accordingly, within the limits of the law, "in an equidistant and impartial manner."
"The false allegations regarding the interventions of special structures in case of economic suspicions are completely unfounded. Any such intervention is carried out exclusively under warrants issued by the relevant judicial bodies, where there are reasonable suspicions regarding the commission of serious crimes."
MAI added that "it is unacceptable that these actions are erroneously presented as having a political nature, given that their purpose is to enforce the law and protect citizens."
The participation of special departments in such operations is a measure intended to manage possible risks, similar to the mode of action at European level.
"In a democratic climate, any criticism is welcome as long as it is based on real facts and arguments. Unfortunately, the statements made in that program are exaggerated, lacking evidence and formulated in a way that can mislead public opinion. These allegations were not accompanied by the presentation of concrete cases to support the accusations that the departments of the Interior Ministry violated the rights of a citizen."
MAI added that it is "unacceptable the attempt to question, without foundation", the activity of its departments that carry out their missions with "professionalism" and "responsibility", specifying that Romania is recognised as one of the safest countries in the region, this fact being confirmed by recent international reports, European statistics, including the assessments of the US State Department.
"It is essential that the public debate is based on facts and respect for the truth, not on disinformation and attempts to discredit the fundamental institutions of the state," added MAI.
MAI encourages any person who considers that he or she has been the victim of an abuse by an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to use the existing legal levers to report such situations. Notifications can be addressed both to the hierarchical heads and to the other authorities verifying the legality of the MAI's action and its staff.
It concluded that it "remains open to dialogue with the civil society, the media and the relevant institutions in order to ensure transparent and efficient communication to the benefit of all citizens."
Comentează