Violent Clashes in Moldova as Police Break Up Orthodox Protest Against Pride March
Priest thrown to the ground, civilians injured as Moldovan Orthodox Christians protest Pride parade.
CHISINAU — On June 15, 2025, tensions erupted in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, as police forcefully dispersed hundreds of Orthodox Christian protesters demonstrating against a gay pride parade. The confrontation turned violent, with footage showing security forces shoving demonstrators and throwing at least one priest to the ground.
Videos published by the outlet noi.md also captured police pushing people carrying religious icons and banners. Among the injured were a teenager and a man with a small child.
Protesters chanted “Moldova is Orthodox” and “Shame” in response to the police action. The altercation was further fueled when gay pride marchers reportedly deviated from their approved route and took to Bucharest Street, which was not designated for the event. Police instructed them to return to the planned path, but participants allegedly refused, insisting they would continue.
Previously, UOJ reported that Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria approved a “March for the Family” in response to gay pride parades happening around the world in June.
