The Justice Ministry refused to register the public organization “Cossacks of Gagauzia”, arguing that its status runs counter to the Constitution and the legal norms, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry, the decision is based on the Law on Public Associations, which bans the constitution of paramilitary and armed organizations. After examining the papers submitted by the applicants and the activity of similar organizations working in Transnistria and abroad, it was established that the founders of this association intend to give it namely such a character.

The paramilitary form of association is a well-known feature of the Cossacks’ life. Moreover, the participation of the Russian Cossacks in the armed conflict of 1992 as an element of foreign military aggression, which is defined as such and condemned by the European Court of Human Rights, represented an attack on Moldova’s sovereignty and all the international law norms.

Besides, the applicants didn’t file the application for registering the status, which must be signed by all the members of the executive body, and the document showing that the owner agrees to allow the organization to use his building. As well, profit-yielding activities were included in the status, which cannot be performed by public organizations.