Moldova: PEN Romania members detained in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria
‘That PEN members were detained while seeking to travel to Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria for a literary meeting is of the utmost concern. The Russian-backed separatist government in Transnistria intends to wipe out independent views. We urge the local authorities to ensure writers can work safely in the region without fear of reprisals.’ - Ma Thida, Chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee.
02 October 2024 – PEN International and PEN Romania condemn the detention of PEN Romania members Dumitru Crudu, Maria Ivanov and Emilian Galaicu-Păun, together with journalist Elvira Moroșan, in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria. Writers and journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely in the region.
On 16 September 2024, Moldavan writers and PEN Romania members Dumitru Crudu, Maria Ivanov and Emilian Galaicu-Păun, as well as journalist Elvira Moroșan were detained at the border of the city of Bender/Tighina by agents with the Ministry of State Security (MGB) – the security service of the Russia-backed separatist government in Transnistria. The writers and journalists were heading to a literary meeting with high school students in Bender/Tighina.
According to Dumitru Crudu, who wrote a detailed account of their detention, agents with the MGB confiscated their identity documents before searching their car. The agents notably confiscated copies of TIMPUL, a cultural magazine meant to be shared with the students, which included articles condemning the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine. They subsequently interrogated Crudu, Ivanov, Galaicu-Păun and Moroșan for over an hour, inquiring about the purpose of their visit and refusing to provide them with any explanations as to why they were being detained. Fearing for their arrest, Crudu managed to call representatives of Moldova’s Ministry for Reintegration, who brokered their release. Crudu, Ivanov, Galaicu-Păun and Moroșan were subsequently sent back to Chișinău, Moldova’s capital, before being told them they would no longer be allowed into Transnistria. According to media reports, the Moldovan authorities are working to ensure the original visit can take place at a later date.
Free expression organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists have documented how journalists are being obstructed or detained while reporting in Transnistria – including through systematic surveillance, harassment, and confiscation of equipment – with impunity. PEN International and PEN Romania urge the local authorities to ensure that writers and journalists – including Crudu, Ivanov, Galaicu-Păun and Moroșan – can work and travel in Transnistria freely and safely, without intimidation.
Notes to editors:
For further details contact Aurélia Dondo, Head of Europe and Central Asia Region at PEN International: Aurelia.dondo@pen-international.org
