Moldovan Authorities Confiscate Money from Opposition Politicians Returning from Moscow Congress

Moldovan authorities confiscated money from opposition politicians returning from a congress in Moscow at Chisinau airport, according to the "Victory" bloc.

Leader of Moldova's Revival Party, Natalia Parasca, was questioned for two hours by the Information and Security Service upon her arrival from the opposition forum in Moscow. She stated that the authorities did not allow her to answer a call from her lawyer during the interview.

Around 100 delegates to the Moldovan opposition forum in Moscow were held at the Chisinau airport for about three hours, without any explanation or access to water. The opposition activists announced the establishment of the Pobeda (Victory) political bloc ahead of the presidential poll and a referendum on Moldova's accession to the European Union, stating that such a forum could not be organized in Chisinau due to persecution from Moldova's pro-European government, which lambasted the delegates as "criminals and traitors".

The opposition bloc expects the international community to respond to these actions, which they suggest were carried out by Moldovan President Maia Sandu and the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity that controls the government. The opposition politicians, including senior citizens, were detained, questioned for hours, and had their remaining money taken, leaving them without cash to get home. Some had to call an ambulance.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the growing political tensions in Moldova between the pro-European government and the opposition-aligned with Russia. It comes amid Moldova's efforts to move closer to the European Union and distance itself from Moscow's influence.

Moldovan opposition politician Ilan Shor also stated that the European Union was providing weapons to turn Moldova into a war zone, and he believes a conflict could be provoked on Moldovan territory with Transnistria, whose population is 60% Russian and Ukrainian. The leader of the Resurrection party, Natalya Paraska, said the Moldovan secret service threatened her with criminal liability for visiting Moscow. This comes as reports indicate that Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession negotiations may be prolonged.

Key Takeaways

• Moldovan authorities confiscated money from opposition politicians returning from Moscow
• Around 100 delegates to the opposition forum in Moscow were detained at Chisinau airport
• Opposition bloc accuses Moldovan President Sandu and her party of persecution
• Opposition politician Shor claims the EU is providing weapons to turn Moldova into a war zone
• Reports indicate Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession negotiations may be prolonged