People’s ombudsman Mihail Cotorobai disapproves of the actions that thwarted the solidarity march “Without fear” on May 22. He noted that in a democratic state, the right to counterdemonstrate cannot paralyze the right to demonstrate, IPN reports.
In a press statement, the people’s ombudsman says the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Constitution and is guaranteed by the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms to any lawful entity that intends to organize such a demonstration.
“Surely a particular demonstration can dissatisfy other persons who oppose the ideas or demands that are supported by the organizers of that event. However, in such a situation too, the right to counterdemonstrate cannot paralyze the right to demonstrate in a democracy,” stated Mihail Cotorobai.
He noted that a possible violent counterdemonstration or an extremist demonstration or with violet intentions cannot and should not lead to the infringement of this right. The freedom of thought cannot be put above the right to freedom of opinion and of assembly. The promotion of a right or a freedom cannot and should not affect the exercise of other basics rights and freedoms of other categories of persons.
The people’s ombudsman calls for tolerance and respect for the human dignity and respect for the rights and freedoms of other persons.
The solidarity march “Without fear”, mounted in Chisinau in support of the LGBT community, ended with incidents. While the participants marched along Bucuresti St, accompanied by several hundred armed police officers, a group of people consisting of priests and parishioners appeared in their way. These became involved in altercations with the police. As the situation became tense, the marchers were taken away by police buses.
