The Security Service of the Republic of Moldova. Archive photoCHISINAU, Oct 23The Moldovan opposition Shor party accused the police of beating and detaining participants in an anti-government protest in Chisinau, RIA Novosti correspondent reports. The organizers asked the authorities for permission to hold an indefinite protest on the central square of the Great National Assembly in front of the government building. However, on Sunday, a farmers' fair is held there, so the protesters were advised to move to the square near the parliament. The police issued a warning that the protesters were preparing for skirmishes and provocations. After a failed attempt to break through the cordon, it was decided to hold a rally right at the crossroads. Several protesters were detained by the police due to clashes. «The police beat the participants of today's anti-government rally. Thousands of police officers, mobilized today by the authorities, beat many young people and forced them into paddy wagons. Supporters of President Maia Sandu stand behind the police cordons, who incite the police to attacking demonstrators and yelling, «Beat them, beat them!» the party's website said.The Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament accused the opposition of destabilizing the situationThe Shor Party, which was joined by the Party of Communists of Moldova (PCRM), has been holding protests in Chisinau since mid-September. Police in Chisinau and fighters from the Fulger (Lightning) and Scorpion (Scorpion) special battalions broke up a peaceful demonstration on October 16 and dismantled an opposition tent city that had been set up in front of the parliament building. The protesters are outraged by the unprecedented increase in prices for gas, other energy resources and food, as well as high inflation and falling living standards. The protesters accuse the authorities of failing to cope with the crisis, point to a record inflation over the past 20 years, which in September amounted to 33.97% on an annualized basis. The country's leadership is criticized for its unwillingness to negotiate better gas prices with Russia, as well as for political pressure on opposition representatives. Numerous polls show that about 60% of the country's population doubt the ability of the ruling Action and Solidarity party to stay in power for another three year, before the next parliamentary elections. Also, about 70% of Moldovans are disappointed with the policy of the authorities and almost 65% support the idea of changing the government.
