Promo-LEX is sounding the alarm over a proposed initiative in the Transnistrian region to criminalize those who would collect, store and transmit personal data to foreign citizens, organizations and authorities. According to the association, the concept of "personal data" is vague and can include any type of information. In reality, these new sanctions are specifically protecting information about the leaders of Transnistrian structures, as well as paramilitary and security structures, Promo-LEX said in a press release quoted by IPN.

According to the draft, the so-called "cross-border" transmission of such data could be punishable by a fine of between 1,800 and 2,700 dollars or up to eight years in prison. If the information is passed on by a so-called "organized group", the penalties get tougher: fines of between $2,700 and $3,750 or up to 10 years in prison.

This initiative comes shortly after the adoption of a similar law in the Russian Federation, increasing the risks for journalists, human rights defenders and anyone who discloses information of public interest or collaborates with the media on the right bank of the Dniester, Promo-LEX stressed.

In this context, the Transnistrian structures will have a new tool to silence critical voices and discourage the inhabitants of the region from reporting on the illegalities and abuses taking place in the region, the statement added.

Promo-LEX notes that the so-called "draft law" complements other measures by which Transnistrian structures hide the identities of those responsible for illegally sentencing the region's residents to detention under conditions tantamount to torture.

The initiative was submitted by the alleged so-called "Prosecutor General" of the Transnistrian region, Anatoly Guretsky, to the so-called "Supreme Soviet" in Tiraspol. Anatoly Guretsky has proposed in 2022 to criminalize those who will appeal to constitutional law bodies, the European Court of Human Rights or UN committees. It is worth noting that he has been found guilty of certain acts violating human rights in at least 6 judgments of the ECHR.

Promo-LEX calls for swift and effective political and diplomatic efforts to put an immediate and unconditional halt to any initiatives or actions by the Transnistrian structures, directed against the protection and defense of fundamental human rights on the left bank of the Dniester.

The association also calls on the Government of the Republic of Moldova to inform the mediators and observers of the 5+2 format, as well as development partners investing in actions to promote human rights, about the actions of the Transnistrian structures.