Sunday, September 13, 2015

Europe Moldova: Huge anti-corruption protest in Chisinau



Protesters gather in Chisinau, Moldova, for anti-corruption rally. 13 Sept 2015. Image: Rayhan Demytrie
Image captionMany protesters have camped out in the centre of Chisinau
Thousands of people are taking part in another large anti-corruption protest in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau.
There have been reports of clashes between rival groups.
Protesters demand the government's resignation and early elections over a $1bn (£655m) bank fraud.
Last week, tens of thousands of people protested against the failure of the authorities to hold to account those responsible for the disappearance of the cash from the country's banks.
They argue that their living standards have been damaged by the fraud.
The state was forced to bail three banks out last year after the money vanished from their coffers.
Correspondents say streets in the city centre have been cordoned off and there is a heavy police presence.
Privately-owned news channel Publika TV said clashes between supporters of the Dignity and Justice civic platform and a group advocating Moldova's unification with Romania broke out soon after the rally began.
Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and the fraud has resulted in a depreciation of the national currency, the leu.
Police in the centre of Chisinau. 13 Sept 2015. Image: Rayhan Demytrie
Image captionPolice are out in force for the protest in Chisinau
A leaked report last week said that a 28-year-old businessman, Ilan Shor, was the main co-ordinator and beneficiary - but in an exclusive BBC interview he proclaimed his innocence.
Much of the money passed through UK companies.
Many demonstrators have been camped out in the city centre since a similar protest last Sunday.
And organisers from the Dignity and Justice movement have warned that their supporters will stay camped out near the government building in Chisinau's main square until their demands are met.
Many protesters directed their criticism at Moldova's super-wealthy oligarchs - a source of much anger in one of Europe's poorest countries.
Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova signed an association agreement taking it closer to European Union membership last year, despite opposition from Moscow.

No comments:

Post a Comment