Moldova parliament bans pro-Russian ribbon despite opposition walk-out
(Reuters) - Moldova's parliament voted on Thursday to outlaw the ribbon of St George, a black and orange military symbol of Russian patriotism, in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
Under the new law, anyone who makes, wears or displays the striped ribbon faces a fine of at least 900 lei ($49) or 69 hours of community service.
Lawmakers from pro-Western Moldovan President Maia Sandu's PAS party approved the law despite a boycott by opposition parties, mainly made up of socialists and communists who favour closer ties with Russia rather than with the European Union.
The ribbon was first introduced as an honour by Catherine the Great, but it has gained particular significance in the Russian-speaking world since separatists in eastern Ukraine adopted it as a symbol of their support for Russia in 2014.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/moldova-parliament-bans-pro-russian-183630725.html