The European Union has decided to impose sanctions against six individuals and associations that are linked to actions that could disrupt Moldova’s stability and undermine its independence and sovereignty. The list of restrictions includes the Association “Shield of the People” (Scutul poporului), which, according to European officials, systematically tried to violate the principles of democracy, including through provocations of unrest and violence.
The sanctions also apply to the deputy head of the Operational Intelligence Directorate of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), who since 2016 carried out secret Kremlin operations in Moldova, especially in Transnistria.
The EU also applies sanctions to directors of media trusts that own several media channels in Moldova and disseminate information that impedes or undermines the democratic process.
The list also includes individuals linked to spreading disinformation, provoking violence and fear, as well as those involved in “banking fraud”.
The assets of the listed individuals will be frozen in EU countries. Citizens and companies from EU member states are prohibited from providing financial support to these individuals, and the sanctioned individuals will have their access to EU countries restricted.
