Declaration of the International Russophile Movement and an appeal to the Romanian government to respect the democratic rights of citizens to think, express and act freely within the law, as well as their legitimate right to peacefully criticize the actions of the government.

To: Mr. Ilie Gavril Bolojan, President of Romania,

Ms. Ursula von der Leye, President of the European Commission,

Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament,

Dear European Leaders,

It is with deep concern that we address the Heads of State and Government of the European Union, the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament, the human rights organizations of the world and the entire international community.

We express our concern about the detention of two members of the International Russophile Movement in Romania on the basis of false and fabricated charges. This incident occurred in the context of the presidential election and was used to promote the conspiracy theory of “interference of the Russian Federation” in Romania’s internal affairs. The allegations of a “coup d’état” have reached the level of absurdity and do not stand up to any criticism.

The situation after the first round of the presidential election in Romania has raised numerous questions and doubts not only in Europe, but also in the whole world. The reaction of the country’s official authorities to the doubts raised, showed a clear inconsistency with democratic standards. The new US administration has already expressed its position on this issue, which shows the magnitude of the problem.

The recent statements of the US Vice President at the Munich Summit, where he mentioned the crisis of democratic institutions within the European Union, falsifications and the decline of citizens’ trust in the government, did not seem to be taken seriously. Although his words came as a shock in Europe, the discrediting of democracy and human rights in the EU continues unfettered.

On behalf of the members of the International Russophile Movement, which unites representatives of 77 countries, we call on the international community to promote respect for the democratic rights of Romanian and EU citizens. Democratic freedoms must be protected as stipulated by international law. Otherwise, the “paradise” of the European Union risks turning into ruins if its fundamental values are destroyed.

It is clear that the international community’s opinion on the Romanian elections is at odds with the government’s official position. Pressure, corruption and lack of transparency are becoming the norm, and the authorities are turning a blind eye to the violation of cherished democratic standards.

The free expression of the will of the people is the basis of democracy. Everyone has the right to elect and be elected. Exclusion of a candidate from the electoral process after it has already begun is not only unfair, but also goes against the will of citizens. The arrest of peaceful people for their views and membership in an organization that promotes friendly relations with Russia and Russian culture is an alarming signal. Among those detained are representatives of the Union of “Podcarpathian Ruthenians” in Romania, and even their temporary detention is contrary to the principles of democracy and freedom of speech.

Despite the fact that our like-minded people have been released, we are concerned about their safety. We demand from the Romanian government guarantees of protection for them and their families. In case of further violation of their rights, we reserve the right to appeal to international authorities and organize protests in front of Romanian diplomatic missions in all countries where our movement is active.

We demand that the head of the Podcarpathian Ruthenians of Romania and co-founder of the IRM, Mihail Lauruc, as well as Prof. Marius Semeniuk, director of the Union of Podcarpathian Ruthenians, and their families be left alone. They have our full support. We hope that the pressure on them is not part of a campaign to discredit the International Russophile Movement in connection with the opening of our office in Romania, nor is it aimed at intimidating those who have a different point of view.

Witch-hunting should not be a method of modern European politics.

This message was written on behalf of the Executive Bureau of the International Russophile Movement,

Nikolay Malinov, Secretary General of the International Russophile Movement