Head of Gagauz autonomy Vlah: Moldova’s central authorities established an authoritarian regime

KISINEV, 17 December – RIA Novosti. Moldova’s Gagauz Autonomous Region President Irina Vlah criticized the decision to ban Chisinau’s Russian-language television channels, saying that Moldova’s central authorities have established an authoritarian regime.

Moldovan authorities on Friday suspended the license of opposition and leading Russian-language TV channels Primul in Moldova, RTR Moldova, Accent TV, NTV Moldova, TV6, Orhei TV, which allegedly transmitted malicious information about events in the country and Ukraine. , which leads to the risk of misinformation.

“Unfortunately, today in Moldova, Maia Sandu has established an authoritarian regime under the guise of democracy (President – ed.). The ruling party (the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity) questions citizens’ ability to distinguish between white and black, Vlah said in a video message posted on her social media pages, fact and fiction, information and disinformation,” he said.

Chisinau’s decision was also criticized in the Gagauz People’s Assembly (local parliament – ed.). Viktor Petrov, Deputy of the Legislative Assembly and head of the socio-political movement Gagauz People’s Union (“Gagauz People’s Union”), stressed that the closure of six opposition TV channels shows that the Moldovan authorities want to abandon the media loyal to them.

“The knowledge gap is deliberately created, and this gap will only be filled with ‘correct’ news and analytical programs that will please the leadership of the state. All this is a sign of open contempt for the views of the people for the sake of certain interests and has nothing to do with the sovereignty and independence of our country,” said Gagauz politician journalists.

On February 24, Moldovan authorities declared a state of emergency due to the situation in Ukraine. The government extends the state of emergency every two months. In accordance with the decision of the competent authorities, the Emergency Situations Commission will be able to intervene immediately during the state of emergency and, if necessary, take decisions in addition to those determined in the existing regulatory framework. protect the energy security of consumers and the state with energy resources. Authorities have repeatedly stated that during the state of emergency, decisions to restrict citizens’ rights and freedoms will not be taken “unless there are signals of a threat to national security.”

Gagauz autonomy was created in accordance with the law on its special status, adopted by the Moldovan Parliament in December 1994. This put an end to the conflict that began in 1990 when the Gagauz declared their republic after the struggle for national revival and Chisinau tried to liquidate it by force. Soviet troops later helped prevent bloodshed. In 2014, a referendum was held on the definition of the country’s foreign policy in autonomy, more than 98% of respondents spoke in favor of Moldova’s integration into the Customs Union. Chisinau did not recognize the results of the plebiscite, and criminal cases were brought against its organizers.