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President Maia Sandu Grants Moldovan Citizenship to Bi-2 Band Amid Oppression Backlash

President Maia Sandu has signed a decree granting citizenship of the Republic of Moldova to several members of the Bi-2 band and their families, following their request at the end of April.

According to Adrian Băluțel, the chief of the President's Cabinet, our nation "embraces individuals who champion peace, foster friendship, and promote mutual respect among peoples."

Decret by Viorica Rusica

"The members of the Bi-2 band faced oppression in Russia after speaking out against the war in Ukraine," stated Băluțel.

Those band members who criticised Russia's war against Ukraine submitted a request for Moldovan citizenship on April 23. Băluțel declared that the files would be reviewed with the aim of "granting citizenship in the best interest of the Republic of Moldova."

Formed in 1988, Bi-2 is among the most successful Russian-language rock bands and is renowned for condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities labelled Igor Bortnik, the band's lead vocalist, a "foreign agent" after he criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin online. The band consequently faced accusations of supporting terrorism from the Kremlin.

According to Human Rights Watch, the group comprises seven members, some of whom hold Israeli and Australian citizenship in addition to Russian.

In March 2023, the rock band members held a concert in Chișinău.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Viorica Rusica

Viorica Rusica

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