Moldovan opposition targets defence minister following army incident

Opposition parties in Moldova are demanding the resignation of Defence Minister Anatoly Nosatyi following a tragic incident at a military unit in Cahul that left a 16-year-old teenager dead.

The accident occurred on May 10 at the facility. The teenager was in a room with a friend serving mandatory military service when another soldier accidentally discharged a firearm. The bullet passed through the room, killing the teenager. The conscript accompanying him was injured but is reportedly in stable condition, Nesmaker reports.

The Moldovan Prosecutor General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into the violation of weapons handling rules resulting in death. The soldier responsible for the accidental discharge faces up to seven years in prison. Authorities are also examining the actions of the unit’s command, including firearm issuance and compliance with military regulations.

In response to the tragedy, several opposition parties — including the Socialist Party  led by former President Igor Dodon, Our Party, and the Party of Development and Unity of Moldova within the Alternative bloc — have called for Nosatyi’s resignation.

The Socialists described the incident as indicative of a “collapse of discipline and lack of control” within the army, criticizing the “incompetence of the Defense Ministry leadership.” Our Party has also urged a parliamentary investigation into other incidents within Moldova’s armed forces.

The government expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged a full investigation. Officials emphasized that any violations uncovered during the inquiry would lead to accountability for those responsible.

By Vafa Guliyeva