The Moldovan Parliament has passed a bill to criminalize the glorification of fascism

On April 23, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova passed in the second and final reading a bill introducing amendments and additions to several legislative acts. The amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on Freedom of Expression establish penalties, including criminal liability, for Holocaust denial and the promotion of xenophobia, racism, and fascism. The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova was directly involved in drafting the bill.

The bill had been introduced in parliament multiple times, with the initiative first registered by a group of MPs back in 2013. Although it took more than seven years to adopt this crucial initiative, the bill has finally been approved by Parliament. Leaders of the Jewish community of Moldova believe that this law will lead to a significant reduction in the recently increased acts of vandalism and will help further decrease anti-Semitism in Moldovan society.

"The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress welcomes this decision by the Moldovan Parliament. This is the right path, and we hope that once the bill enters into force, it will help reduce intolerance and serve as a solid foundation for building a modern democratic society based on the principles of respect for ethnic minorities, solidarity, and remembering the lessons of the past," commented EAJC President Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili.