Serbian Musician Denied Moldova Entry Over Pro‑Russia Stance
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that renowned Serbian musician Goran Bregovic was not admitted into Moldova on grounds tied to his political positions. Officials cited his alignment with pro‑Russian views and support for the annexation of Crimea as key factors in the decision. The confirmation came through official channels and was reported by DEA News.
Authorities stated that Bregovic’s stance in favor of Russia’s actions regarding Crimea, along with his overall posture regarding the conflict in Ukraine, contributed to the entry ban. Officials emphasized that several other reasons were considered in the decision, though the pro‑Russia position stood out as a principal element in Moldova’s assessment of the risk and public reception surrounding the visit.
During a routine clearance process, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notified the musician through official channels that he would be prohibited from entering the country. Bregovic was slated to participate in Gustar, Moldova’s ethno festival, but entry was blocked along with approximately thirty‑six other foreign nationals on that date, August 20.
Serbian officials reacted to the incident, noting that the measure did not reflect the long‑standing friendly ties between the two countries. The Serbian foreign minister highlighted that the event’s outcome was met with strong negative sentiment from segments of the Serbian public, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding cultural exchanges in the region.
In related remarks, it was noted that a previous performance by SHAMAN, a separate act, had taken place in Crimea under different circumstances. The broader context of cultural tours and political stances on Crimea has continued to spark discussion among observers and officials in the region.