Transnistrian human rights activist unexpectedly released from prison

Plescanov was the first person convicted by the Tiraspol regime for flying the Ukrainian flag and condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine. He was imprisoned on 10 June 2022, and according to the verdict, was not due to be released until April 2025. The announcement of his release was made by Plescanov himself via a phone call. He allegedly received the pardon without any conditions or agreements

In the phone call, he also thanked everyone who took steps to secure his release. He named the OSCE Mission to Moldova, the US Embassy, the UK Embassy in Moldova, and other diplomatic missions and NGOs.

"In the coming days, I want to take care of my health, spend time with my family, and decide what to do with my future. I want to assure you that detention has not changed my values, principles, or convictions," Plescanov told the Zona de Securitate media outlet.

During Plescanov's detention, NGOs, namely Promo-LEX and Contribution to Effective Justice, led by lawyer Stepan Popovschi, made numerous efforts to secure his release. Several accredited diplomatic missions in Chisinau have also condemned his arrest.

Victor Plescanov came into the crosshairs of Tiraspol’s Ministry of State Security in March 2021. On 26 September 2022, he was sentenced to three years and two months in prison. Although the sentence was never officially delivered to him, he was charged with "incitement to extremism". The persecution began after he publicly expressed his support for the Ukrainian people by flying their flag from the balcony of his Tiraspol apartment.

People in Need has long been highlighting the human rights violations committed by the Transnistrian regime. We help protect human rights activists like Viktor Plescanov through advocacy activities and by publicising their cases.