Criminal group Șor behind anti-EU messages in Chișinău
The criminal group Șor is believed to be behind the panels displaying anti-European Union messages that have appeared on the streets of Chișinău, Bălți, and Comrat since August 15. This was reported to Teleradio-Moldova by Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Police Inspectorate.
According to Cernăuțeanu, three individuals have been identified and documented as having placed these panels only in the municipality of Chișinău. “We are continuing to analyse video footage and other evidence to identify everyone involved. There are certainly more individuals,” he stated.
Cernăuțeanu also noted that among those involved are individuals with criminal records. “What was previously suspected is being confirmed: the criminal organisation Șor and its representatives are behind this. It is regrettable that some young people are drawn into these activities, while others with various criminal backgrounds, who have previously been held accountable for crimes such as drug offences and thefts, are also involved. We are documenting each case and assessing the extent of each individual’s responsibility.”
Vice-president of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), Pavel Postică, stated to Teleradio-Moldova that the display of these panels violates both the Law on Advertising and the Electoral Code. “It is certain that the electoral campaign has not yet started. Messages of electoral agitation will only be permitted from September 20, 2024, and only for the registered participants in the constitutional republican referendum, if we are referring to this specific electoral exercise.”
The Law on Advertising stipulates that during the extra-electoral period, subliminal, misleading, immoral, discriminatory, or sexist political advertising, as well as advertising that may incite panic or violence, is prohibited. Additionally, political advertising must include the identification details and/or means of individualization of the provider or broadcaster; otherwise, it is prohibited.
The production, distribution, provision, or broadcasting of political advertising that violates the Law on Advertising and the Electoral Code is subject to administrative penalties. Under the Contraventional Code, fines range from 2,000 to 15,000 lei.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
