Opposition demands Minister Nosatîi’s resignation after Cahul military tragedy
Multiple opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi following an incident on Sunday, May 10, at a military unit in Cahul, which resulted in the death of a 16-year-old teenager. They are accusing the government of negligence and a lack of oversight within the National Army. In response, the government described the event in Cahul as “an immense tragedy,” and has promised a thorough investigation to determine all the circumstances surrounding the case.
The tragedy in Cahul has been attributed to "incompetence and negligence" within the system, as claimed by the Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova. The party has called for a "rapid, fair, and transparent" investigation and an urgent review of security protocols within the army.
Constantin Cuiumju, a deputy from the "Partidul Nostru" (Our Party), has demanded the "immediate resignation of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff of the National Army."
Ion Chicu, the leader of the Party for the Development and Consolidation of Moldova, highlighted other incidents that have occurred in the army over recent years. He stated that "a young man dies in the army every three months," which he referred to as "Minister Nosatîi's black statistic."
Additionally, Dragoș Galbur, the president of the Moldovan National Party, is seeking explanations regarding how the minor gained access to the military unit and how the weapon was used outside of the designated range or duty.
On the other hand, government representatives assert that the authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness.
"This is a huge tragedy that has profoundly affected a family as well as the entire community. We extend our sincere condolences to the parents and all their loved ones. We acknowledge the emotions and concerns within society. Such moments require responsibility, balance, and respect for the family's grief. There will be a rigorous investigation. If the inquiry reveals any deviations or insufficiently shouldered responsibilities, those responsible must be dealt with firmly," stated the message from the Executive led by Alexandru Munteanu.
It is important to note that the tragedy occurred on Sunday, May 10, at a military unit in Cahul. Preliminary reports indicate that a contract soldier improperly handled a Glock weapon in the presence of a colleague and a visiting minor, resulting in injuries to an 18-year-old conscript.
Initially, authorities reported that the 16-year-old teenager died from cardiac arrest due to shock. However, the police later clarified that the forensic doctor had preliminarily determined that the minor "was shot by the bullet that also injured the conscript."
The soldier responsible for the shooting has been detained by the police, and a forensic examination and investigation are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
