Moldovan police have arrested several men linked to Russia and accused of planning anti-government protests, writes Politico.
The arrests were made on Sunday, the 12th of March, just a few days after the White House warned of Moscow’s plans to weaken the Moldovan government. The small country with 2.5 million inhabitants is located between Ukraine and Romania. Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been feeling increased pressure from Russia. The country is led by pro-European Maia Sandu, and Moldova became a candidate country for the European Union in the summer of 2022. Sandu stated in February that Moscow wants a coup staged in Moldova.
On the 12th of March, the head of the Moldovan police informed that 50 to 100 people are involved in the protest plan, each of whom would receive up to 10 thousand dollars for holding anti-state demonstrations.
Seven people were arrested after the police managed to infiltrate the group. The recent protests have been organized by the People’s Movement group, which is supported by the pro-Kremlin party Sor and its leader Ilan Shor.
White House spokesman John Kirby said Russian agents wanted to create a sense of insecurity in the public about the government’s capabilities. He added that Moscow’s goal is to establish a pro-Kremlin government in the country.
Moldova’s Interior Minister Ana Revenco warned that any traitor to the country will be brought before the court, and at that moment the help and payment received from Russia will not matter.
Read also: Moldova warns of Russia’s attempts to influence situation in the country