Moldova has banned a famous Serbo-Croatian composer and singer from entering the country, sparking protests from Serbia and his fans. Goran Bregovic, who is known for his pro-Russian views, was supposed to perform at the Gustar Music Festival on Sunday, August 20, 2023, but he was turned away by the border police without any official explanation.
The organizers of the festival said they were very sorry that Bregovic could not come to Moldova and that they did not know the reasons for this decision. They hoped that the situation would be clarified soon and that they would have the opportunity to enjoy his music in the future.
The Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic asked for a clarification from the Moldovan authorities and criticized their action as unfriendly and unjustified. He said that this was a violation of Bregovic’s human rights and an insult to his artistic reputation. He also said that this was an unfriendly act by Moldova towards Serbia and its citizens.
Bregovic, who has composed music for several films by Emir Kusturica, is a popular singer in the Balkans and beyond. He has also performed with international artists such as Iggy Pop, Cesaria Evora, and Ofra Haza. He is known for his eclectic style that blends traditional Balkan music with rock, pop, and classical elements.
However, he is also known for his controversial political views. He has expressed his support for the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in the past. He has also said that he loves Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea and that he does not care who they belong to. He has argued that politics should not interfere with music and culture and that music is a universal language that unites people.
This is not the first time that Moldova has barred pro-Russian figures from entering the country. In April 2023, Moldova also denied entry to a Russian delegation that was accused of attempted election interference and espionage. The Moldovan Interior Minister Anatol Salaru said that the Russian delegation was involved in activities that threatened the national security and sovereignty of Moldova. He said that they were trying to influence the outcome of the upcoming parliamentary elections and to recruit agents among Moldovan officials.
Moldova is a former Soviet republic that has been divided between pro-European and pro-Russian factions since its independence in 1991. The country is also home to a breakaway region called Transnistria, which is supported by Russia and hosts Russian troops. The relations between Moldova and Russia have been tense over issues such as trade, energy, security, and human rights.
Relevant articles:
– Pro-Russian composer Goran Bregovic banned from entering Moldova, The Limited Times, 2023-08-21
– Belgrade protests over Bregovic’s denied entry to Moldova, Nuova Europa – ANSA.it, 2023-08-20
– Pro-Russian singer Goran Bregovic denied entry to Moldova, Moldova1.md, 2023-08-20
– Moldova Bars Russian Delegation for Attempted Election Interference …, Balkan Insight, 2023-04-18