One of the leading figures in Moldova's opposition said on Friday he plans to violate a ban on pro-Russian war symbols by wearing an orange and black ribbon during a march on May 9, in a direct challenge to the pro-Western government.
Moldova's parliament passed a law last month banning symbols of Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, including the orange and black ribbon of St. George worn widely by Kremlin supporters.
The opposition Socialists, widely viewed within Moldova as pro-Russian although they disavow that label, call the ban a violation of free speech rights, and say the ribbon, which was used on some Soviet-era medals, should not have been included.
