Police sanction paid protesters at Council of Europe social rights summit in Chisinau
Law enforcement authorities sanctioned several individuals on Thursday, March 19, following a "paid-for" protest organized near the Palace of the Republic. The demonstration coincided with a high-level conference on the European Social Charter, attended by 50 delegations from Council of Europe member states.
Police officials reported that the gathering, conducted under the umbrella of a political party, showed clear signs of being financially incentivized. Investigators documented the organized transport of participants and sanctioned three individuals, including the primary coordinator, under Article 47/2 of the Contravention Code.
The legal framework provides for fines up to 7,500 MDL (approx. €383) for individuals and 25,000 MDL (approx. €1,275) for those in positions of responsibility. Additionally, a minor was identified among the participants, leading to sanctions for the legal guardian.
Links to the $1 billion bank fraud
Among the prominent participants were Dina Carpinschi, Sergiu Ungureanu, and Vitalie Bejenari. These individuals are frequently associated with circles linked to Ilan Shor, the fugitive politician currently sentenced to 15 years for his role in Moldova’s notorious bank fraud case.
While protesters chanted slogans such as "Down with the dictatorship" and demanded to speak with "European guests," authorities reiterated that public assemblies must adhere to legal standards. The involvement of minors in exchange for rewards remains a specific point of legal concern for the General Police Inspectorate.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
