Lauge Risom Koch 
A Moldovan TikToker known for pro-Kremlin content and repeated calls for Russia to attack Moldova has been detained after returning from Germany.
A Moldovan influencer known for spreading pro-Kremlin content and publicly urging Russia to attack Moldova has been detained after returning from Germany, prompting renewed debate about the limits of free speech and online extremism.
Authorities later released the 33-year-old under judicial supervision as investigations continue.
Detained on return
According to Digi24, citing reporting by TVR Moldova, Vadim Ţăruş, known online as “Baba Galea, I Don’t Want to Be Silent,” was detained on suspicion of promoting war propaganda, hatred and intolerance.
The influencer had spent years building an audience through videos supportive of the Kremlin and hostile toward Moldova’s pro-European direction.
Investigators are examining content in which he repeatedly called for Russian military action against Moldova.
The case has sparked intense discussion across social media and political circles in the country.
Calls for war
Among the videos cited by Digi24, based on information from TVR Moldova, is one in which Ţăruş openly encouraged Russia to launch military action.
“Putin, don’t sleep. For once, this, please, don’t sleep,” he said in one recording.
Digi24 also published a translation of another message originally delivered in Russian, in which the influencer urged the Russian president to take action.
The statements are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Strong reactions
The detention quickly drew criticism from pro-Kremlin voices in Moldova, who accused authorities of suppressing freedom of expression.
However, legal experts quoted by Digi24, citing TVR Moldova, argued that public calls for war and violence cannot be protected under the same standards as political speech.
“It doesn’t matter if he was released or kept in custody. It is important that the authorities react,” constitutional expert Alexandru Tănase said.
He added that individuals must understand that messages published online can carry legal consequences when they cross into extremism, intolerance or incitement.
Limits of free speech
According to Digi24, the case is part of a broader trend in which Moldovan authorities have increasingly investigated online content that allegedly promotes violence, hatred or extremist narratives.
Specialists interviewed by TVR Moldova stressed that social media platforms are not exempt from legal accountability.
Under Moldovan law, individuals can face criminal responsibility for content that incites violence, war or hatred.
Sources: Digi24, TVR Moldova
