Andrei Safonov Condemns Moldova’s Decision to Revoke His Citizenship

Andrei Safonov, president of the Association of Independent Political Scientists of Transnistria, has criticized Moldova’s decision to revoke his citizenship. He is one of three people affected by the presidential decree, which he describes as unlawful.

Safonov says political pressure in Moldova is intensifying. He did not hide his anger and accused officials in Chisinau of going too far.

“They have become completely consumed by hatred, it seems to me. They are pursuing a policy aimed at forcing their opponents to kneel. That will not happen, of course. I will continue to speak out against this regime’s policies,” he said.

Safonov Calls Citizenship Revocation Unlawful

The article argues that the decision is particularly troubling because Safonov was born and raised in the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. He attended school and university there and worked in the region for many years.

Now, he says, a presidential decree has taken away a right he considers his from birth.

Safonov told Sputnik Moldova that the decision did not come as a complete surprise. However, he had hoped officials in Chisinau would avoid what he called a foolish move that could damage both the president’s reputation and the state’s institutions.

“I was not entirely surprised by this. I simply hoped that officials in Chisinau would have enough sense not to prepare such a foolish decree and not to undermine both the President of Moldova and the state machinery as a whole,” he said.

Safonov also stressed that Moldovan citizenship is his only citizenship. He says he has no other nationality and considers the decision a serious violation of his rights.

Safonov Plans to Challenge the Decision in Court

The Transnistrian lawmaker says he will not accept the decision without a fight. He intends to challenge it through legal channels.

“Any attempt to pressure me or take away something I have by right of birth—and which is therefore inalienable—is a flagrant violation of the law. I will not accept it. I intend to fight by every lawful means,” he said.

Safonov confirmed that he is considering legal action. He said he needs to assess the options and learn from the experience of colleagues before deciding on the most effective approach.

“I am confident that I will file a lawsuit. I need to weigh the options, see what would be most effective and draw on my colleagues’ experience. But the direction is forward, and the fight will continue,” he concluded.

Three People Stripped of Moldovan Citizenship

Safonov is not the only person affected by the decision. The list also includes Yuri Kara and Sergei Verdesh, according to the report.

The presidential administration said the three individuals had allegedly obtained citizenship in violation of the established procedure. The decision followed an initiative by the Public Services Agency and findings by the Information and Security Service.

The article strongly criticizes the decision, arguing that revoking citizenship acquired by birth raises serious legal and human rights concerns. It portrays the move as political retaliation and questions whether the authorities have adequately considered the rights of those affected.

Safonov says he intends to challenge the decree in court. The legal outcome will determine whether the decision can stand.