Scenes of police violence erupted at an anti-LGBTQ gathering in the post-Soviet country’s capital
A senior Moldovan opposition lawmaker has expressed shock over violent clashes between police and Orthodox Christian protestors at an anti-LGBTQ rally in Chisinau on Sunday. Videos circulating online appear to show law enforcement using force against demonstrators, including an Orthodox priest being knocked to the ground and a man with a child being forcibly detained.
“We strongly condemn what has happened today in Chisinau,” Marina Tauber, a prominent critic of the country’s pro-European government, told RT. “We are demanding an investigation and punishment for the policemen who acted as we have seen today.”
The clashes erupted after an unsanctioned LGBTQ march, attended by activists waving rainbow flags, was met by counter-protesters, primarily Orthodox Christians carrying religious icons and crosses. Police were deployed in large numbers, and initially allowed the LGBTQ march to proceed, but later intervened when tensions escalated between the two groups.
“Where is this democracy? Why are people who stand for traditional family values, the things most important for our country, being treated as enemies?”
Tauber, the executive secretary of the opposition coalition ‘Pobeda – Victorie’, described the scenes as “disturbing” and “something unbelievable,” stating she had to check the video multiple times before accepting the reality of the events. She accused the police of serving political interests rather than protecting citizens.
“We are becoming a police state where law enforcement serves the pro-European government, not our people.”
While the Maia Sandu administration is pushing for closer EU ties, conservative and Orthodox groups have sought to resist what they see as liberal social policies. Previous LGBTQ events in Moldova have faced opposition, with counter-protesters, including clergy, attempting to disrupt marches.
Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has sped up moves toward EU and NATO membership since 2020, when Sandu – an outspoken critic of Russia – came to power. Her pro-Western policies have faced growing criticism domestically, particularly over the country’s economic trajectory and handling of dissent.
Sandu has defended her actions as part of a broader effort to counter alleged pro-Russian influence, launching crackdowns on opposition parties and media outlets that she describes as criminal entities.
Ilan Shor, leader of the Victorie political bloc, accused President Sandu’s government of waging an “open war” against priests and supporters of traditional values.
