Moscow has closed entry for a number of people in response to the expulsion of the head of Sputnik Moldova

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Moldova, Liliani Darius, and announced the closure of entry into the country for a number of persons in response to the expulsion of the head of Sputnik Moldova, Vitaly Denisov, should from a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The Moldovan side has expressed a strong protest in connection with the ongoing politically motivated persecution of Russian-language media in Moldova,” the statement says.

The Foreign Ministry believes that another manifestation of such persecution was the decision to expel Denisov. “As an asymmetrical measure,” Moscow blocked entry into Russia for persons who are “directly related to restricting freedom of speech and the rights of Russian journalists in Moldova, as well as inciting anti-Russian sentiments,” the Foreign Ministry clarified. It is not reported who exactly is prohibited from entering Russia.

The head of Sputnik Moldova was expelled from Moldova on September 13. He was presented with a deportation order on the first flight and given a 10-year ban on entering the country. The reason given by the Moldovan authorities was the alleged “intention to carry out activities that threaten the national security of Moldova.”

After this, the Charge d’Affaires of Moldova in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Then Moscow demanded from Moldova to stop the “politically motivated persecution” of Russian media.