The war veterans who mounted a protest in the Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau on May 18 said the current government created gross impediments to them and violated their right to free assembly. The protest’s initiative group said the participants were threatened and followed by the special services of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In a news conference at IPN, Valerii Sava, war veteran from Anenii Noi, said that the next day after the protest, police officers came to his home and interrogated his family so as to find out what he was dealing with. He was also fined 22,500 lei because two persons at the protest didn’t wear a mask even if the Head of State said himself that he does not wear a mask because this is not mandatory.

The veterans asked Minister of Home Affairs Pavel Voicu to explain why the members of the protest’s initiative group were followed and intimidated. Valerii Sava also said that Prime Minister Ion Chicu on May 18 said he will organize a dialogue with the veterans, didn’t respect his promise. That’s why they plead for the Government’s resignation.

The veteran also said that the May 17 protest was peaceful and apolitical. The participants came to complain about the problems they face as no government solved them. The media unfoundedly reported that the protest was supported and financed by a number of political parties.

“The ordinary citizens ultimately saw that we are an apolitical force and defend the interests of the whole nation. We are against all the ruling criminal clans that did nothing for the county during tens of years,” stated the veteran.

Mihail Coadă, war veteran from Dubăsarii Vechi, said he was phoned by the “criminal police” and asked with what thoughts he was going to the protest. The police visited him at home and checked if he does not have a gun.

Civil society member Sergei Ciobanu urged the veterans not to allow the authorities to intimidate him. “Our country should remain in our hands, not in the hands of cowards, traitors and those who were bought. We do not sell ourselves!” he stated.

Veteran Dorel Roșca noted the political class turned into a “market” where they gossip about each other and rob the population. The politicians were elected to strengthen the economy, to create jobs, but they did nothing but made the people leave the country.

The National War Veterans Council was founded at the General Assembly of War Veterans on February 8 this year.