Moldova Protest: Police detain several people in Orhei
Several people have been processed by police in Moldova's Orhei district after an altercation at a political rally.
The incident occurred on August 31 in the village of Peresecina.
The rally was held by the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), and was attended by both locals and representatives of an opposing political party.
Police allege the group is associated with the criminal organisation of fugitive oligarch Ilan Şor, with their actions being described as an "unauthorised protest" resulting in aggression and violent behaviour, even against police officers.
Orhei Police Inspectorate press officer Elena Băetrău told Teleradio-Moldova the individuals had "refused to comply" despite "legal warnings." She added that "as a result, they were escorted to the Orhei Police Inspectorate and processed according to the law."
Police have reiterated that they will intervene promptly and legally against any attempt to destabilise the situation, and have urged participants at public events to respect the law and the rights of others.
Video shared on social media shows Alexei Lungu, a leader of the Şor group and head of the "Chance" Party, pushing and shoving people at the rally. In the footage, people can be heard shouting, "Get out of Peresecina!"
Mr Lungu has been repeatedly detained at tense protests in the capital, Chișinău, and Orhei, consistently accusing police of abuse. He was more recently filmed insulting and intimidating a Promo-LEX observer, with the association reporting the incident to police.
A figure sanctioned for aggressive behaviour and disturbing public order, Mr Lungu also faces international and domestic sanctions for his ties to Ilan Şor and for activities considered destabilising.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
