Moldovan MP Accuses Security Services of Intimidating Orthodox Clergy
Vasile Bolea condemns state pressure on bishops and priests, calls interrogations “a form of religious harassment”
CHISINAU — Moldovan Member of Parliament Vasile Bolea, representing the opposition “Victory” bloc, has raised alarm over what he describes as escalating harassment of clergy within the Orthodox Church of Moldova. According to Bolea, priests and bishops are being summoned and intimidated by the country’s security services in a manner that violates religious freedom.
“People who go to church and take communion on Sundays are interrogating and intimidating priests on Mondays. This is pure hypocrisy,” Bolea stated. “Respect for faith and human dignity should not depend on one’s official position.”
In a message posted on his Telegram channel, the MP detailed recent incidents, including the case of Bishop Anatolii of the Cahul and Comrat Diocese, who was summoned by the Information and Security Service (SIS) for a so-called “preventive conversation” due to his participation in events held in the autonomous region of Gagauzia.
Bolea criticized these actions as an abuse of state power, arguing that the Orthodox Church in Moldova is constitutionally separate from the state, and its clergy have the full right to participate in public or religious events within their dioceses—regardless of political associations.
“These conversations are not just humiliating—they’re a clear attempt to exert pressure on the Church,” Bolea said.
The MP’s remarks come amid broader concerns about state interference in religious affairs. On June 15, 2025, police in Chișinău violently dispersed a religious procession organized by local Orthodox Christians who were protesting a gay pride parade taking place on the same day. According to eyewitnesses, law enforcement used force against peaceful participants, beating several of the faithful.
The Orthodox Church of Moldova is a self-governing body under the Moscow Patriarchate and represents the majority of Orthodox Christians in the country. Its leaders have increasingly found themselves at odds with Moldovan authorities over issues of morality, national identity, and the role of the Church in society.
As tensions rise, Bolea’s comments highlight growing fears that religious freedoms are being quietly eroded under the guise of political neutrality.
