Nosatii Denies Resignation Following Tragedy at the Military Base in Cahul

Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii has stated that he will not tender his resignation following the death of a 16-year-old boy at a military unit in Cahul. “I wish to make a clear statement: I will not resign until the investigation is complete and all the circumstances of this case have been established. It would be irresponsible to step down in the midst of the investigation, as my involvement as Minister of Defense is essential,” he said. It should be recalled that the tragedy occurred on 10 May on the premises of a military unit in Cahul. According to preliminary reports, a 20-year-old contract soldier mishandled a Glock pistol in the presence of a 16-year-old teenager who had come to visit another conscript. As a result, the conscript was injured and the minor died. Initial reports stated that the teenager had died of a heart attack. On 11 May, the police clarified that the minor had sustained a gunshot wound. Following the incident, the opposition called for the resignation of the Ministry of Defense leadership. The government stated that a “thorough investigation” would be carried out into the matter. The Prosecutor General’s Office announced that a criminal case had been opened. The soldier who fatally wounded the teenager faces up to seven years’ imprisonment.