Moldovan protest organisers face corruption charges over 'paid participants'
Moldovan authorities have opened more than 40 criminal cases for alleged bribery against the organisers of a recent protest in the capital, Chisinau.
The demonstration was reportedly coordinated by the "Șor" political party, which has been designated a criminal group by the Moldovan government.
The cases were launched after several participants gave statements to police, admitting they were either promised or had already received payment for attending.
Internal Affairs Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin expressed her regret that minors and members of ethnic minorities were reportedly drawn into the protest. "Participants have confirmed and provided very clear information in their statements that they were either promised or had already received payment for these actions," she said.
"Just this week, based on the statements in the reports compiled for passive electoral corruption, over 40 criminal cases have been opened against the organisers," the minister added.
Despite warnings from police that they could face daily fines of up to 7,500 lei (approximately £330), protesters attempted to set up tents in front of the Presidential Palace.
According to law enforcement officials, participants admitted they were set to receive one thousand lei (around £44) for their presence.
During the demonstration, a number of young people from the Roma and Gagauz ethnic minorities were taken to police stations after allegedly participating in the paid protest. They reportedly tried to provoke police officers with aggressive behaviour, but authorities intervened immediately to restore order.
In total, 28 people were taken in for questioning after they became violent towards police officers.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
