EU should re-consider relations with Moldova after Pride violence
Statement of the European Parliament's LGBT Rights Intergroup
On Sunday, 11 May participants of the Pride parade in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, were attacked by violent members of the neo-fascist movement "New Right". Police forces merely observed the violence and attacks and did not bother to intervene.
"How can you fail to uphold the basic right to protection against violence and freedom of movement?", said Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup. "I will raise this issue within the European Parliament. I will also ask the Moldavian government for an explanation."
"It is unacceptable that Moldova exposes its own citizens, along with foreign visitors, to such violent attacks," said Raul Romeva, Vice-President of the Intergroup for Greens/EFA. "Perhaps the European Union should reconsider its relations with a state so gravely breaching International Human Rights Obligations."
Sirpa Pietikäinen, Vice-President of the Intergroup for the EPP-ED added, "EU-Moldova relations are based on the acceptance and implementation of EU values of respect for human rights and democracy. The police should have intervened to respect law and order. These are basic fundamental principles of democracy."
