Moldovan police said on March 12 that they had successfully thwarted the plans of specially trained pro-Russian groups of people to take part in the riots.
According to the authorities, the riots were prepared during the actions in Chisinau against the country’s new pro-Western government. According to the Moldovan service of Radio Liberty, supporters of the opposition Shor party gathered in the center of the capital on Sunday. Participants chanted slogans against President Maia Sandu and also spoke out against high electricity prices. According to the organizers, the activists came to demand payment of bills for the winter months, as well as to prevent a military conflict on the territory of Moldova.
Clashes between protesters and police are reported about an hour after the start of the opposition rally. The police blocked the approach of the demonstrators towards the Government House, in the area of the main square of the Grand National Assembly. The demonstrators tried to force the cord.
The Interfax news agency informs that following negotiations, the police allowed three deputies of the Shor party to enter the government building. They handed over the resolution passed during the protests. After that, the protesters dispersed. “Shor” MP Marina Tauber noted that the opposition is demanding compliance with their demands on utility bills within 24 hours. “If we are not notified of the decision by 1:00 p.m. Monday, we reserve the right to act in accordance with our constitutional rights,” Tauber said.
According to the police quoted by the Moldovan service RFE/RL, more than 50 demonstrators were arrested, including more than 20 minors with prohibited objects. Moldovan police chief Viorel Cernauteanu told a briefing that an undercover agent from the country’s security forces had infiltrated groups of “saboteurs”, some of whom are believed to be Russian citizens. The instigators of the riots were reportedly promised $10,000 each.
Police also said four reports of bombings were registered in Chisinau on Sunday, and the information came from the same person. The authorities described these actions as measures to destabilize public order.
Moscow’s reaction to the allegations has yet to be released.
Last month, President Sandu mentioned the Russian plan to destabilize Moldova, that Moscow wants to change power in the country and bring its proteges to the leadership of Chisinau. It was noted that the Moldovan structures were informed about the intentions of the Russian side by colleagues from the Ukrainian special services. According to Sandu, Russia’s goals are to stop the country’s European integration and to use Moldova in the war against Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry, in response, said Maia Sandu’s claims were completely unfounded and unconfirmed by anything. The Russian department simultaneously accused Ukraine of escalating tensions and trying to drag Moldova “into a difficult confrontation with Russia”.
