Nine years have passed since April 2009 Moldovan parliamentary election protests
Todays marks nine years since the April 2009 Moldovan parliamentary election protests. When thousands of young people gathered in Capital's center, being displeased by the results of general elections from April 5 2009. The protests from April 7, were discussed and organized through Twitter.
"If you did not vote for PCRM then don't idle, come outside! We will meet at 18:00, at Ştefan cel Mare!". This was became the most popular message on the internet in Moldova on April 6 2009. Demonstrations, which escalated into a riot, broke out the next day.
On the morning of April 7, the Great National Assembly Square was already packed with around 5 000 young people. Some of then threw stones and eggs at the Parliament building. Later, a fire engine that was supposed to disperse the crowd was also attacked.
When the number of protesters reached nearly 30 000, riot police had to retreat. The offices from the Parliament were vandalized and burned. Law enforcement later returned in full force. Both sides suffered injured.
On April 8, PM at the time Zinaida Greceanîi urged mothers to keep their husbands and children home.
"Human sacrifices were very hard to avoid. Police will use all means to defend the constitution of Republic of Moldova, including weapons" former PM Zinaida Greceanîi declared.
The demonstrations lasted to April 10, only this time without vandalism and violence.