Moldova’s ban of ‘Z’ and ‘V’ symbols used by Russia’s army in Ukraine „legitimate and proportional”-Venice Commission

The ban on the display of certain symbols used by the Russian troops during its invasion of Ukraine adopted by the Moldovan Parliament  is legitimate and proportional in the context of the war in Ukraine, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission said.

The Commission said it was plausible to argue that there is a pressing social need to impose freedom of expression restrictions and that the display of such symbols used by the Russian army in Ukraine “could produce an actual and immediate danger of disorder and a threat to national security and the rights of others, including Ukrainian refugees in the country.”

In a press release on Monday, the Commission also pointed out that the speedy adoption of this ban – passed through Parliament in April within a week – was justified” by the urgency of the matter on account of Russia´s aggression against Ukraine.”

The bill bans the ribbon of St. George, a black and orange military symbol of Russian patriotism and aggression against Ukraine, as well as the signs „Z” and „V” used by Russian armed forces to mark their vehicles and equipment during Moscow’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The Commission added that Moldova was “a constant target of disinformation activities from external sources.”

Lithuania’s parliament approved a similar bill outlawing the ribbon of St. George, as well as the „Z” and „V” signs in April and Ukraine has banned the Russian symbols in public places, commercials, clothes, media, and social networks.

Vulnerable Republic of Moldova trembles considering Russian aggression

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