Thousands took to the streets in Moldova, the former Soviet republic, to demonstrate against the pro-European government and high gas prices, and police clashed with demonstrators demanding a curb on the high cost of living in the country.
And the police announced - today, Sunday - that they had arrested 54 people during protests organized by the pro-Russian "Shor" party in the capital, Chisinau.
Through the Telegram communication application, the General Police Inspectorate of Moldova said, "54 participants in the protest, including 21 minors, were transferred to the Inspectorate for identification on the background of questionable behavior, while they were in possession of prohibited items."
Police reported 4 bomb alerts in the capital, describing it as an ongoing part of the destabilization measures in Moldova.
A separate police statement also indicated that the protesters were ignoring the law, adding that "the demonstrators do not abide by the police's instructions and are aggressive with the officers."
The police demanded that they adhere to appropriate and non-violent behavior, especially when dealing with their officers.
Marina Tauber, deputy leader of the opposition party, accused the police of committing acts of violence.
She also complained that the roads leading to the demonstration were closed, which prevented many citizens from protesting.
Tauber said that the demonstrators demanded that the government pay gas bills "for the winter months."
Many Moldovans say they can no longer pay their gas bills or afford living costs.
The protests began last February.
On Saturday, the Inspectorate General of Police in Moldova said it had information about a possible demonstration to organize actions to destabilize and stir up unrest.
The police stated that they are asking the organizers and participants to abide by the legal conditions, and not to accept measures that would endanger the lives and safety of the people, as well as the security of the state.
Tensions between Moldova and Russia escalated when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed last month that Russia intends to undermine the political situation in Moldova.
Commenting on this, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that state institutions confirmed Moscow's plans.
Russia rejected these allegations, saying that Kiev launched disinformation about a Russian plan to destabilize Moldova, and that the aim was to involve Chisinau in a difficult confrontation with Moscow.
Separately, Moscow said Ukraine was preparing an armed provocation against Transnistria, a breakaway region internationally recognized as part of Moldova but currently controlled by pro-Russian separatists.