Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatiy has finally commented on the tragedy at the military base in Cahul, where a 16-year-old teenager was killed.
After three days of silence, he stepped up to the podium — but not to apologize to the boy’s family or promise a transparent investigation. Instead, he came to send a “message” to everyone: he has no intention of giving up his ministerial seat.
“I want to send a very clear message. I will not resign until the investigation is completed and all circumstances surrounding this tragedy are clarified. It would be irresponsible to leave now, when the investigation is at its peak and my presence as minister is necessary,” Nosatiy said during a briefing.
No condolences to the family of the deceased teenager were voiced by the minister. Instead, he spoke about delegation of authority and professional responsibility.
“Every person is obliged to perform their duties responsibly, with maximum seriousness and professionalism, in accordance with their competence and authority,” the head of the Defense Ministry added.
What Happened in Cahul
At the military base, a contract serviceman — a warehouse chief — accidentally shot and killed a 16-year-old teenager with his service Glock pistol and wounded another conscript soldier.
Initially, police claimed the teenager died of cardiac arrest caused by shock. Only after a medical examination did authorities publicly acknowledge that the death was caused by a gunshot wound.
Nosatiy confirmed that the shooter was a contract serviceman.
“By virtue of his position, he possessed a personal Glock pistol,” the minister explained. “Using a weapon improperly constitutes a violation, and those responsible may be held accountable.”
How a warehouse chief ended up near a civilian minor while carrying a loaded weapon was not explained by the minister. He only stated that the serviceman was “on duty.”
Counting the Dead
According to some estimates, nine people have died in the National Army during Nosatîi’s tenure. In the past, one death was enough for a minister to submit a resignation letter. Now, apparently, even nine are not enough.
The public movement National Alternative Movement has already demanded Nosatîi’s resignation and called for a transparent investigation.
The minister, however, remains in office. At least while the investigation continues. And when it will end — nobody knows. The main question is whether it will end with anything other than another routine statement that “the matter was reviewed and measures were taken.”
