According to a report from Yevropeiska Pravda, the legal status of the Transnistrian government remains undefined and unclear in the legislation. Despite a 2006 independence referendum, Moldovan legislation has not included provisions for punishing separatists, let alone the term “separatism.”
The analysis focuses on amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova, which notes that the Russian army won a war against the newly formed Moldovan army in 1992, leading to Moldova’s defeat and a truce agreement with Russia.
As a result, the left bank of the Dniester River has been under Russian control, which was confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights. Russian propaganda was successful in the 1990s, influencing many to believe in its “peacemaking” mission.
Moldova is now seeking to end the Russian occupation of Transnistria, engaging in dialogue with the pro-Russian leaders in Tiraspol to avoid conflict. The amended criminal code defines the Transnistrian government as an “unconstitutional entity” and its special services as an “illegal information structure.”
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The law also includes provisions for punishing “sedition,” espionage, and other offenses that harm the sovereignty and security of Moldova. This law aims to enforce a trade and financial blockade on the region, but it is uncertain if this will be successful as the Republic of Moldova continues to provide the main financial revenue for Transnistria’s budget.
The law is still pending approval from President Maia Sandu and has faced opposition from some international partners.