Ministry of Justice concerned about ultimatum-like note of Alliance of Orthodox Associations

The leaders of the Alliance of Orthodox Associations attributed themselves an inexistent mandate from the Orthodox Church of Moldova as an institution and from the absolute majority of the people, who are really Orthodox Christians. The Association does not hesitate to appeal to the entire arsenal of propagandistic tricks borrowed from the Soviet period. This is how the Ministry of Justice reacted to the protests staged by the association on September 23, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a communiqué, the Ministry says that the people have the right to free expression and to protest, but expresses its concern about the ultimatum-like note of the association. Deputy Minister of Justice Vladimir Grosu told the reporters that the Ministry of Justice took cognizance of the claims put forward by the associations and will analyze them attentively, but said he was concerned about the ultimatum-like attitude of the protesters. The Ministry of Justice considers that such actions are counterproductive because it now holds consultations on the antidiscrimination bill with all the components of civil society and the Moldovan Metropolitan Church. “These discussions can be efficient only when no pressure is exerted and they are held in a calm environment where all the participants are cooperative and respectful,” said the deputy minister. The Alliance of Orthodox Associations of Moldova a Friday picketed the Government Building, the Ministry of Justice and the UN Representative Office in Chisinau, protesting against the registration of the Islamic denomination in Moldova and against the antidiscrimination law. They also expressed their concern that the authorities may amend the Law on Denominations and will decrease the status of the Orthodox religion to that of a minor religion.