life in Pridnestrovie

In the aftermath of a sweeping ban of "pro-separatist" media, journalists at The Tiraspol Times are weighing their options and seeking legal advice. On 5 June 2008, Moldova outlawed newspapers whose articles can be interpreted as positive coverage of Transdniestria. Moldova's legal authority over Transdniestria is in doubt but the country can enforce its laws internationally.

Moldova's Parliament has passed a sweeping law banning newspapers which "instigate territorial separatism". The ban applies to The Tiraspol Times and a number of other publications. Journalists can now be prosecuted for merely reporting the views of politicians and community leaders who are in favor of Transdniestria's independence.

Tiraspol is celebrating its famous artist Mikhail Larionov, born in the city on June 3rd some 127 years ago. Larionov's avant-garde paintings were taboo during the existence of the Soviet Union. However, since declaring independence Pridnestrovie has honored its native son with postage stamps and commemorative silver coins.

Teen pregnancies which end in abortions have so far doubled in Pridnestrovie. In the first four months of 2008, five hundred girls between 15 and 19 had an unwanted pregnancy removed. On Monday a new civic project was launched to hold back the increase in abortions.

Stepping up the information war, Moldova has installed new equipment which interferes with Pridnestrovie-based broadcasts. Pridnestrovie's government protested the move in letters to Moldova, the OSCE and the two countries which will oversee and guarantee Pridnestrovie's legal status. No jamming takes place in Pridnestrovie against Moldovan radio or TV signals.

The authorities of Pridnestrovie (Transdniester) has handed over fugitive Mihail Mocanu, 41, to Moldova. The arrest came after the bank robbery suspect had fled to Pridnestrovie thinking it was a safe haven. A top Washington-based expert now says that other nations need to forge effective partnerships with Pridnestrovie to fight trans-border crime.

A new law in Pridnestrovie will boost the privacy of internet users by making it a crime to release the content of private communications. With a double-layer system of safeguards, data secrecy protection can not be lifted unless there is both a court order and approval by a prosecutor. The law brings Pridnestrovie in compliance with the European Commission's directive on data privacy.

The Eurasian monitor project praises the language policy of Pridnestrovie (Transdniester). Sociologists from Russia and Ukraine say that "Pridnestrovie demonstrates an optimal solution" and "a good example". The unrecognized country has three official languages: Russian, Moldovan and Ukrainian.

The people of Pridnestrovie (Transnistria), represented by a joint coalition of civil society NGOs and political parties, appealed to the international community for a chance to be heard. They want recognition of their country's nearly 18 years of 'de facto' independence. UN, OSCE and the Council of Europe are urged to not pursue a policy of double standards that will lead to failure and increased tension in the region.

On an official visit to Tiraspol, EU representative Kalman Mizsei urged Moldova and Pridnestrovie to re-open free railroad traffic links. Pridnestrovie (also known as Transdniester) has been the target of a Moldovan railroad blockade since 2004. The Chamber of Commerce calculates losses at $17M per year.