Archbishop Markell told about another search at Chisinau airport

Archbishop Markell of Balti and Falesti told Izvestia on May 23 that he had been subjected to humiliating searches at Chisinau airport again and had not been released from the country.

"Since I was held for 2 hours and 40 minutes, I came up at least 10 times, started making noise, and threatened to sue you (law enforcement officers. — Ed.) to court. What do you want from us?" Markell said.

The archbishop noted that his lawyer was not allowed into the airport's customs area, despite having access.

"In 34 days, I was denied departure from Chisinau airport three times. I have not received an answer to the question: why are you detaining me? Why won't you let me fly out? I intend to file a lawsuit," the clergyman concluded.

Earlier that day, it became known that Markell was not allowed out of the country again when he was about to go on a pilgrimage to Turkey. According to him, after humiliating searches, he received documents stating that there was nothing illegal, but Markell's ticket and passport were returned when the plane was already on the runway.

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On April 17, Markell was detained at passport control at Chisinau airport and his documents were seized without explanation. In an interview with Izvestia, the clergyman noted that all this was done purposefully so that he would not catch the flight. On April 18, the archbishop said that on the way to the airport, his car was constantly stopped by the police.

After that, on April 18, Markell, who was heading from Moldova to Israel for the Holy Fire, was once again prevented from leaving the country. Markell also called the police officers who detained him a tool in the hands of people who accidentally came to power.