Moldovan bishop defending the Russian Orthodox Church was detained at Chisinau airport

Moldovan law enforcement officers detained Bishop Markel of the Moldovan Metropolis at the Chisinau airport, from where he was supposed to fly to Israel for the Holy Fire. This was announced on April 17 by Canal 5 TV channel.

"The representative of the Moldovan Metropolis, Bishop Markel, was not allowed by the authorities to Israel, where he was supposed to go for the Holy Fire! <...> For unknown reasons, the holy father was subjected to a thorough check," the Telegram channel says.

The bishop told TASS that 30 minutes after the plane took off, his passport was returned to him. However, during the search, the police did not find anything suspicious about the priest. The agency noted that the bishop had previously defended the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).

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Earlier, on March 25, the head of the Gagauz Autonomy, Evgenia Gutsul, was detained at the Chisinau airport. Her name was found on the list of persons who are prohibited from leaving the country. Later, on March 28, the head of Gagauzia was arrested for 20 days and then placed under house arrest.

At a rally on April 16, residents of Gagauzia expressed support for the Hutsul and demanded the restoration of all its powers.