Members of the Bi-2 band, who criticized Russia's war against Ukraine, want to become citizens of the Republic of Moldova
Several members of the Bi-2 band and their families have submitted the documents to get the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. This was announced by the head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Adrian Băluțel, on his telegram channel.
"Our country was, is and will remain friendly to all people who want to live in peace and understanding. We are a hospitable people, who helped people fleeing war and we will help all those who are oppressed because they promote peace", wrote Adrian Bălutel.
The adviser to the president announces that the files for getting citizenship will be presented to the head of state and will be examined through the lens of "granting citizenship in the interest of the Republic of Moldova".
"In our country there will always be room for those who want peace, who contribute to the development of culture, civic education and inter-ethnic friendship," wrote Bălutel.
Bi-2 is one of the most successful Russian-language rock bands, formed in 1988 and is known for condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Igor Bortnik, the band's lead singer, has been branded a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities after criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin online. Thus, the band attracted accusations of supporting terrorism, from the Kremlin, writes adevarul.ro.
The group includes seven members, some with Israeli and Australian citizenship, in addition to Russian, according to Human Rights Watch.
In March 2023, the members of the rock band held a concert in Chisinau.
