Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s approval of changes to the country’s treason laws has sparked controversy, overriding concerns from opposition parties and human rights organizations like Amnesty International. The approved changes, initially endorsed by the parliament, extend the application of wartime treason laws to peacetime scenarios, increase penalties, and introduce a new category for aiding a foreign state.
The backdrop to these legislative amendments includes allegations that the former chief of Moldova’s army General Staff was an informant for Russia’s military intelligence agency, underscoring concerns about foreign influence and espionage.
Pro-Russian opposition factions have criticized Sandu’s decision, arguing that the changes infringe upon freedom of speech and obstruct the work of opposition journalists. These sentiments echo concerns raised by Amnesty International, which highlighted the vagueness of the expanded definition of high treason and the potential for abuse.
Sandu, who won the presidency in 2020 on a pro-EU platform, has consistently advocated for Moldova’s accession to the European Union, much to the chagrin of pro-Russian political forces. The move to align with the EU has led to tensions with Moscow and internal opposition from factions sympathetic to Russia.
The decision to hold a referendum on EU membership in October, coinciding with the presidential election where Sandu seeks reelection, underscores the significance of Moldova’s European integration efforts. While a majority of Moldovans support joining the EU, there remains a notable minority, often aligned with pro-Russian sentiment, who oppose such aspirations.