June 15 protest organizers to face sanctions
Organizers of the June 15 protest, who violated laws concerning public gatherings, will face sanctions, Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin announced today from the government headquarters.
"Police acted in accordance with current legislation, ensuring public order and the safety of citizens participating in demonstrations, marches, and public events. I want to emphasize that all organizers who violated laws on public gatherings will be sanctioned," the minister stated.
Daniella Misail-Nichitin confirmed that a criminal case has been opened regarding the assault of law enforcement officers, and the incidents are being investigated in strict accordance with the law. Additionally, an internal inquiry has been launched.
The minister also noted attempts to exploit vulnerable individuals and involve children in dangerous activities, leading to the opening of criminal and administrative offense cases, depending on the severity of the actions, with the prosecutor's authorization.
"On Sunday, we observed situations where various vulnerabilities were exploited. This includes both the enticement of vulnerable individuals and concrete instances of minors being involved. In these cases, either criminal or administrative offense proceedings have been initiated, depending on the severity of the act," the minister highlighted.
Referring to the incident widely discussed publicly, concerning a police officer accused of manhandling a child, Misail-Nichitin emphasized that the police acted to ensure the child's best interests, and the child was safely removed from the risk area.
"A service investigation is fully underway, and a report has also been submitted to the prosecutor's office to ensure absolute impartiality in examining these cases. I want to highlight that the police primarily acted in the child's supreme interest, as it was a very young minor placed in danger. Police officers ensured that this man and the child were separated from the critical area where altercations were occurring. Furthermore, social services and the guardianship authority were also notified about this case. As you know, the Ombudsman for Children's Rights also took notice," the minister concluded.
On Sunday, a group of priests and parishioners attempted to block the Pride March, leading to altercations with law enforcement. Among those who tried to push past the police cordon was a man holding a child in his arms, thus endangering the minor's safety. In this context, the Ombudsman for Children's Rights took notice and announced they would request the guardianship authorities to assess the child's and family's situation, with necessary measures to be applied based on the investigation's conclusions.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) condemned the acts of violence and deliberate provocations that occurred on Sunday, June 15, in the capital's center. According to the ministry, several groups of parishioners were organized to block another demonstration and provoke direct confrontations with law enforcement.
During interventions to restore public order, more than ten police officers and carabineers were assaulted. The MAI deemed these actions unacceptable and announced that all individuals involved in acts of violence would be held accountable.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
