MEP urges Romania to condemn violence against clergy in Chernivtsi

Claudiu Târziu. Photo: claudiutarziu.ro

On June 20, 2025, Romanian Member of the European Parliament Claudiu Târziu issued a strong condemnation of the acts of violence committed against Romanian priests and faithful in Chernivtsi on June 17, 2025, and called on the Romanian authorities to respond to the incident.

“It is unacceptable that in the heart of a country aspiring to European values, Romanians – a historical, loyal, and peaceful community – are subjected to physical violence, religious repression, and a brutal process of forced assimilation,” reads a statement published on his official website.

The MEP highlighted that the events at the Chernivtsi cathedral, where “several Romanian priests were brutally beaten by an organized group,” do not appear to be isolated incidents.

Even more alarming, in his view, is the fact that “the peaceful protest of the Romanian community was dispersed using violence, tear gas, and excessive force – even against clergy.”

Târziu reminded readers that Romania has provided Ukraine with ongoing humanitarian, logistical, and political support since the start of the war.

He issued a public appeal to the President of Romania, the acting Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, urging them to officially condemn the violence and demand an explanation from the Ukrainian authorities.

“Romania must not abandon a single Romanian – regardless of borders,” he stated.

Claudiu Târziu is one of the leaders of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a party that has previously voiced territorial claims to Ukrainian regions such as Northern Bukovyna, Zakarpattia, and parts of Bessarabia, as well as the entire Republic of Moldova. The AUR currently enjoys significant popular support and ranks second in national polls.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the European Parliament has been informed of the brutal beating of priests by OCU militants in Chernivtsi.

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