■ Raul Romeva:  “It is unacceptable that Moldova exposes its own citizens, along with foreign visitors, to such violent attacks.”

BRUSSELS, May 14, 2008  –  The European Union should reconsider it relations with Moldova following the attack on the Gay Pride in Chisinau at the weekend, MEP Raul Romeva said this morning.

On Sunday, participants of the Pride parade in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, were attacked by violent members of the neo-fascist movement “New Right” and other homophobic groups.

Fifty participants of the parade were blocked in a bus surrounded by several hundred aggressive protestors shouting “Beat them to death” and “Don’t let them escape”.

After being forced by the neo-fascists to destroy their pride materials – colourful balloons, posters with anti-discrimination slogans and flags of the EU – Pride participant’s bus was eventually allowed to go.

Police forces merely observed the violence and attacks and did not bother to intervene.

“How can you fail to uphold the basic right to protection against violence and freedom of movement,” charged MEP Michael Cashman (PSE/Labour), president of the European Parliament’s all-party Intergroup for gay and lesbian rights.

“I will raise this issue within the European Parliament and will also ask the Moldavian government for an explanation,” he pledged.

Mr. Romeva (Greens), a vice president of the Intergroup, was equally forceful in his condemnation.

“It is unacceptable that Moldova exposes its own citizens, along with foreign visitors, to such violent attacks,” he said.

“Perhaps the European Union should reconsider its relations with a state so gravely breaching International Human Rights Obligations.”

Finnish MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP-ED/Conservative), another Intergroup vice president added, “EU-Moldova relations are based on the acceptance and implementation of EU values of respect for human rights and democracy.

“The police should have intervened to respect law and order.  These are basic fundamental principles of democracy.”

SEE ALSO

ILGA-Europe Condemns Moldova Over Gay Pride Fiasco at Weekend.  The lack of any action by Moldovan police to protect participants in last weekend’s Gay Pride in the country’s capital Chisinau – and the illegal banning of the parade by the mayor – was condemned today by the International Lesbian and Gay Association Europe.  (UK Gay News, May 13, 2008)

Moldovan Police Stand Accused of Letting Protestors Highjack Bus Carrying Gay Pride Participants.  A ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court and the provisions of the European Human Rights Convention, which Moldova signed, were set aside by Chisinau police who stood to one side and let extremist religious groups, members of the neo-fascist movement, “New Right”, and legionnaires prevent today’s “Gay Pride” from going ahead. (UK Gay News, May 11, 2008)

Chisinau Mayor Bans Gay Pride on Eve of Parade.  Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca has banned the Gay Pride parade in the Moldovan capital.  The parade, part of “Rainbow over the Dniester” is scheduled to take place on Sunday (May 11).  (UK Gay News, May 9, 2008)

Chisinau Authorities OK Gay Pride Parade for First Time.  Organisers of the Gay Pride in Moldova – “Rainbow over the Dniester” – are hopeful of being able to stage a parade this year in the country’s capital, Chisinau.  (UK Gay News, May 6, 2008)

Victory Claimed by Gays in Moldova at Chisinau ‘Pride’.  Organisers of the Moldova ‘Gay Pride’ – Rainbow over the Dniester – have claimed a victory over the Chisinau city authorities. (UK Gay News, May 3, 2007)

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Posted: 14 May 2008 at 11:00 (UK time)