Making fun of leaders is a criminal offense in the breakaway region of Transnistria, a predominantly pro-Russian enclave on the Moldovan border. In this autonomous region, between a narrow strip of the Dniester River and Ukraine, the government continues a stifling repression of any attempt at official speech infused with Russian propaganda, condemned by several critical voices.
“We can’t even play; “They know the jokes are based on a realistic perspective.” “They even spied on the training center to identify possible opponents,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified for fear of oppression and dreamed of uniting Transnistria with Moldova.
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Blackmail as a means of repression is on the agenda of an area whose independence has not been recognized by either the UN or Russia itself. “May the Transnistrian secret services [herederos de la KGB soviética] “Know that criticizing the regime can mean that you will never find a job,” said the professor, whose current salary depends on the Moldovan government. “First they talk to the manager so that he can pass on the message to you; “Then they’ll release you if you continue,” Christina continues.
The Republic of Moldova Transnistria, as it officially calls itself Transnistria, declared de facto independence in 1990. The Kremlin, which has not recognized the state, is interested in prolonging the situation to stop NATO expansion into Moldova. Moreover, Chisinau will hardly be able to enter the EU until Transnistria is under its control. Brussels does not want the breakaway region to fall into Moscow’s hands, as did Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014 without international recognition in a referendum. But the annexation to Moscow is an outcome that most Transnistrians support because of the Russification process that has taken place in recent decades.
Transnistria will exist at the low price Gazprom pays for gas. The labor market revolves around the nebulous conglomerate of companies, the sheriff, who dominates the economic life of the region: from gas stations to supermarkets, through telecommunications, energy, steel and alcohol companies; He even manages the football club that defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu in the fall.
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Low wages in this breakaway region, averaging around 3,200 Transnistrian rubles (about EUR 177), are the main reason why many citizens go abroad. But last week’s explosions at the Ministry of Security building, the military unit near the town of Parchan and the towers of the Gregorian radio and television station increased fears of an explosion in the region.
“Many friends are gone and those who stayed are ready,” admits Elena, mother of a 16-year-old student at the Lucian Blaga Institute in Tiraspol. Your car’s fuel tank is full during a conflict at the Ukrainian border. “People are losing hope for change; “When fatigue has diminished his dissent, he is no longer interested in politics, but in his everyday life,” he warns.
A member of the Armed Forces of Transnistria walks into a row of vehicles in the border town of Varnita, near Moldova, on April 28. Daniel Michailescu (AFP)
Most Transnistrians refuse to meet foreigners, explaining the tension that comes with it. Few who choose to say this prefer to keep their identities a secret. The intimidation of the regime can force you deportation. However, accountant Tamara, 55, is not afraid to spread anti-Russian sentiment. Repeatedly persecuted by the ex-KGB of Transnistria and arrested for throwing about 8,000 euros worth of foreign currency at the employees where he works, he shares his point of view. “All the chaos in the world takes place in this area; “You can do what you have to do,” he said. He spoke in support of the American Alliance, but said it is important for Russia to maintain some independence. †
Tamara says she always feels harassed because she speaks Romanian, with all the documents in her bag when she has to flee to the capital of Moldova. In Chisinau, her husband is waiting for her at the groom’s house. He fled because of rumors to protect Transnistria from foreign invasion. He is not the only man to have left the region in recent days. The lines at the border post are longer than usual, only men are inside, while women walk through the streets of Tiraspol with their children.
Tensions are mounting. A TV channel reported on Thursday that shots were fired at the Ukrainian border. To prevent the attack, authorities reinforced the presence of security forces and placed concrete blocks and bags of cement at intersections. Even the tanks are hidden behind the bushes not only at the entrances to cities, but also in villages, in attack position.
Propaganda and Russianification
The Soviet law of 1975-1985 allowed KGB soldiers and secret agents who had ended their professional careers under extremely difficult circumstances to move to warmer regions for their services. A favorite place for retired soldiers was the Black Sea coast; In particular, Abkhazia, Crimea and Moldova, and about 55,000 people have benefited from the privilege of moving to Transnistria this decade. And the arrival of these former members of the Soviet army and spies sparked the secessionist movement, which culminated in the 1992 war that lasted four months and killed hundreds of people. Today, peacekeepers are on alert and 500 of the 1,500 peacekeepers sent after the clash belong to the Russian army.
Transnistria today has a population of half a million, half of whom are descendants of Russians and Ukrainians, and the other half are descendants of Romanians who have experienced Russification. In this process, caused by the constant bombardment of information from Russian channels (Moldavian channels are banned), many are afraid to express opinions that do not correspond to the official discourse. The hardest are the heads. “The solution is to withdraw the Fourteenth Army [el Grupo Operativo de Tropas Rusas (GOTR) que cuenta con unos 1.500 militares rusos en esta zona]† “Russian influence will be significantly reduced,” said Natalia Balbus, who was born 65 years ago in a village near Tiraspol.
The GOTR reportedly controls the security of 20,000 tons of former Soviet arsenal stored in the small town of Kobasna on the Ukrainian border. “Transnistrians don’t support Ukraine because Russian propaganda brainwashed them,” said Balbus, a math professor who gave his last name but not his first name. He considers himself a patriot who never got a vote in the elections in Transnistria. “Incumbent President Vadim Kranoselski won the December presidential election by 80% with no opposition or dissent, arresting and prosecuting those critical of the Tiraspol regime, even on social media.”
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Source: La Neta Neta
Smith Charles is a talented entertainment journalist and author at The Nation View. He has a passion for all things entertainment and writes about the latest movies, TV shows, music, and celebrity news. He’s known for his in-depth interviews with actors, musicians, and other industry figures, and his ability to provide unique perspectives on the entertainment industry.
