Transnistria goes to online classes after alleged bomb threats in centers

Bucharest, 21 Mar All primary and secondary school students in Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist enclave on Moldavian territory, will receive their classes virtually from home after authorities denounce an alleged wave of bomb threats against several schools. “It has been decided that, in order to maintain stability and public order, as of March 22, classes will be held online,” an official statement quoted by Moldovan media Unimedia reads. The authorities of Transnistria, a de facto independent republic since 1991, had previously reported that several schools had received messages alerting the laying of anti-personnel mines. These alleged messages ended with the expression “Glory to Moldova and death to the Russians”, a formula reminiscent of the “Glory to Ukraine” that has become popular these days amid Russia's invasion of the latter country. The closure of the schools comes despite the fact that Vadim Krasnoselski, president of this enclave whose sovereignty is not recognized by any country, said that the threats are false and that those responsible will be dealt with harshly. “We will not allow signs of ethnic discord,” said Krasnoselski. This episode comes amid growing nervousness in Moldova, a former Soviet republic bordering Ukraine, at the possibility of an invasion by Russia. It is estimated that Russia has about 2,000 military personnel stationed in Transnistria. Some experts have speculated that Russia may activate these troops to support a Russian assault on the Ukrainian city of Odessa, located less than 100 kilometers from Transnistria. Transnistria, with some 470,000 inhabitants, has existed as a de facto independent country since the Russian military deployed on its territory refused to integrate into an independent Moldova in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. CHIEF mg/as/pddp