Pro-Russian Moldovans Condemn Ban on Symbols Backing Ukraine Invasion

Pro-Russian politicians in Moldova on Friday denounced a ban on symbols backing Russia's attack on Ukraine, such as the letters "V" and "Z", as well as the "St George" black-and-orange ribbon, adopted by parliament on Thursday evening.

The former pro-Russian President Igor Dodon protested against the changes on Friday. "There are things, values ​​and symbols that cannot be banned, no matter how hard the current Chisinau Puppet Government strives," he said.

"On May 9, our citizens will show their character and show this senseless government that abusive, anti-democratic and irresponsible decisions cannot annul historical memory," Dodon wrote on Facebook.

Dodon threatened to break the law and said he would take to the streets on May 9 and wear a St George's ribbon "along with tens of thousands of people celebrating Victory Day [in World War II] against Nazism."

Pro-European MPs defended the law change. "Because these signs justify military aggression against Ukraine, we considered it necessary to amend the Contravention Code to not allow their glorification on the territory of our country," MP Lilian Carp said.

People who spread them, including online, will be fined from about 225 to 450 euros or with unpaid community service of 30 to 60 hours. Legal entities and public officials who violate the provisions risk a bigger fine of 450 to 900 euros.

"The making, sale, distribution, possession for public use and use of generally known attributes and symbols used in acts of military aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the propaganda or glorification of such actions, is also prohibited," added Carp.

The pro-European majority of deputies also adopted an anti-propaganda law, which bans Russian propaganda in...