Clashes and Arrests Mark Tense LGBT March in Chisinau

Clashes Erupt in Chisinau During LGBT March: Police Intervene as Tensions Rise Chisinau, Moldova – June 15, 2025 witnessed a tense standoff between supporters of an LGBT rights march and counter-protesters in the Moldovan capital. The event, which took place near the city center, saw police intervene to prevent violent clashes between the two groups. A video circulating online shows the police detaining several individuals who appeared to be disrupting the march. "The situation was extremely volatile," said one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. "There was a lot of shouting and pushing. The police did their best to keep the peace, but it was a very tense atmosphere." The video footage vividly depicts the police forming a human cordon between the LGBT march participants and the counter-protesters. Several people are seen being escorted into police vans, suggesting arrests were made. The presence of religious symbols among the counter-protesters further highlights the complex social and religious dynamics at play in the event. While the exact number of arrests remains unclear, the incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding LGBT rights in Moldova and the challenges faced by those advocating for equality. The swift police response prevented a larger-scale confrontation, but the underlying tensions remain.