​PROTESTERS PREPARING FOR LONG-TERM PICKETING IN CHISINAU CENTRAL SQUARE

The hundreds of protesters, who have set up numerous tents in the Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau, are saying they are morally ready and are preparing technically and logistically to a long-term protest action “until the authorities fulfill all our demands”.

Last night, your Infotag correspondent visited the encampment, organized in the heart of Chisinau by the Civil Platform “Demnitate si Adevar” [DA, “Dignity and Justice”], to ask its inhabitants what made them come out for this time-unlimited manifestation and what they are going to do next.

Gheorghe Slutu, Executive Chairman of the National Union of Independence War Veterans, stated that at the present moment, there are nearly 6 hundred people constantly present in the square.

“Besides the youth, there are former law-enforcement officers and many other categories of citizens. So I will probably disappoint those who are intending to provoke the protesters and destabilize situation in our Dignity and Justice camp. We all are united around one noble wish – to ensure a decent future for us and our children. That’s why we are here, and we shall be protesting as long as will be necessary”.

In his words, the protesters are eligible to stay in the central square until September 30, but most probably this timeframe will be extended “if the authorities don't take decisions in our favor”.

Many of the protesters were singing songs, playing chess and cards, other were winterizing their tents, worming themselves with hot tea or coffee. Some were taking meals despite of late hour.

Ion Cristian of the Leova Raion stated that he had arrived for the protest action “to help put an end to general instability and total poverty in the country”. He believes the Strelet Government will hardly survive 2-3 months.

Anna Buruiana of Hincesti town said she had come to Chisinau for the protesting together with her husband “to achieve justice”. In her words, their little shop, which the couple has opened with such great difficulties, is subjected to frequent checks and inspections.

“The authorities strangle small businesses with exorbitant taxes and unending checks. I have an impression our country rulers simply wish to get rid of us, placing us before a choice: either you die at home or go abroad. I have a child, but I have no idea what future I can give to him. Our current life is not actually a life – it is survival. We can’t give up the protesting, for this is precisely what the authorities are trying to achieve in order to continue robbing the grassroots”, Anna said.

Andrei Nastase, one of the DA Platform leaders, said that over the past 24 hours, the camp security prevented 6 attempts of provocations by unknown personalities against encampment inhabitants.