Liberals seek dismissal of high police officials

Condemning the conduct of the law enforcement bodies during a rally which demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops earlier this month, the Liberal Party (PL) seeks the dismissal of, and punitive measures for, Deputy Interiors Minister Valentin Zubic, commissars of police Eugen Axentiev, Valentin Poparcea, Vasile Gradinaru and their deputies Iacob Gumenita and Petru Golban, Info-Prim Neo reports. PL president Mihai Ghimpu has told a press conference on Wednesday that the party reiterates its position as regards the abusive practices perpetrated against the participants in the rally, the blatant violation of the Public Assembly Law and other acts, and also concerning the failure of the police to maintain public order and guarantee the security of the citizens of the republic of Moldova. “The information presented before Parliament by Deputy Interiors Minister Valentin Zubic explaining the conduct of the police during the event of October 5 is an attempt to misinform the legislature and mislead the public opinion”, declared Ghimpu. On October 5, the Liberal Party held a series of protest rallies in Chisinau and across the country, demanding the withdrawal of the Russian army from Moldovan territory. The liberals complained that, in Chisinau, police interfered with the progress of the march, while in Balti the police looked on as a group of assaulters, reportedly Russian speakers, attacked the protesters. On October 16, Valentin Zubic appeared before Parliament to dismiss the allegations.