Moldova Bans Communist Symbols

A communist protest in Chisinau (file photo)

A law banning the usage of communist symbols for political purposes came into effect in Moldova on October 1.

The new law was adopted in July by the ruling Alliance for European Integration coalition.

Moldova's opposition Communist Party, which occupies one-third of the seats in parliament, protested the law, calling it an "antiopposition law."

Communist Party leader Vladimir Voronin said that his party will keep its traditional hammer-and-sickle symbol and is ready to fight for the right to preserve the symbols in the European Court of Human Rights.

In July, Moldovan lawmakers also decided to establish a number of "museums of the Soviet occupation" in the country and to issue a textbook titled "Communists' Crimes."


Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS