EU Integration

Moldovan President: Russia Uses Priests and Bots to Influence Elections

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has revealed that Russia has increased its interference in the upcoming parliamentary elections set for September 28th, specifically targeting voters residing abroad. Moscow is employing a multi-pronged strategy, including online disinformation campaigns, the use of Russian Orthodox priests for propaganda, and the deployment of bot networks to disseminate fake content. Furthermore, Sandu stated that criminals working for Moscow are inciting unrest within Moldovan prisons. With the EU integration deemed critical for the nation’s democratic survival, Sandu views these elections as a crucial step toward joining the EU, despite fluctuating poll results.

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Georgia Protests Reveal Russia’s Export of Brutal Repression Tactics

During five days of pro-EU protests in Georgia, police violently suppressed demonstrators, employing tactics that included systematic beatings and torture in custody, as documented by Transparency International Georgia and the Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association. Detainees reported severe injuries and degrading treatment, with a Public Defender confirming widespread allegations of police brutality. Prominent critics suggest this brutality reflects training received from Russian counterparts, indicating a potential export of Russia’s authoritarian playbook to Georgia. This escalation of violence coincides with protests against the government’s pro-Russian stance and postponement of EU integration.

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