Alliance MPs fear Shelin's behavior could create a precedent
The MPs of the Eurointegration Alliance fear that Victor Shelin's unauthorized entry to Parliament could create a precedent. On the other hand, the Communists argue that the Parliament's meetings are public any anyone can attend.
On Thursday, Social Democrat leader Victor Shelin forced his way into the Republic Palace, where Parliament sits, with help from a group of Communist MPs who removed the security, despite a ban imposed on Shelin by Speaker Marian Lupu. Shelin was then escorted by his Communist supporters into the assembly hall, where they surrounded him to prevent his expulsion.
The brawl continued in the assembly hall. Liberal leader Mihai Ghimpu said such behavior was beyond the pale. “If we continue like this, one day we will come to see Muntean bring along (criminal kingpins) Bulgaru or Micu or someone else. This individual must leave the assembly hall at once. It's disgraceful after all for a party leader to let himself led by the bridle like an ostrich”.
In retort, Communist MP Iurie Muntean said Victor Shelin was a Moldovan citizen and thus entitled to attend the public meetings of the legislative. He suggested that Marian Lupu had no right to impose such a restriction. His Communist colleague, Alexandr Petkov, requested explanations from the security's administration for the rough treatment handed out to the MPs who intervened for Shelin.
Speaker Marian Lupu requested the quarrelers to end discussions on this topic. “Too much publicity for a man. We need to think this over and decide what to do to avoid such terrible situations from repeating themselves in the future. The topic is closed now”.
State Security Service head Igor Bodorin has said that while Victor Shelin's presence in the assembly hall is unlawful, no further actions will be taken after the Speaker said this situation would be dealt with later.
Last week Speaker Lupu banned Shelin from the Republic Palace after he used without authorization a platform with the Parliament's insignia to make an announcement.