The Serbo-Croatian composer Goran Bregovic learned on Sunday that for “security reasons” he is barred from entering Moldova, a country that neighbors Ukraine and has tightened border controls since the outbreak of armed conflict in February 2022.

According to the Moldovan press, the pro-Russian positions of the musician apparently played a role in that decision, as the famous artist, 73, “openly supported the annexation of Crimea”, where he gave a concert in March 2015, “and the invasion of Ukraine”.

“We regret to inform you that Goran Bregovic and his band will not be able to perform tonight, Monday, for reasons that have nothing to do with either the organizers or the artists,” said the Gustar Music Festival, an hour from the capital Chisinau.

“Unfortunately, they were not allowed to enter the Republic of Moldova, while they had already landed at the airport,” according to a message posted by the festival organizers on the Facebook platform.

Mr. Bregovic, according to a statement released by the organizers, is “very disappointed” that he was expelled “without any official explanation.”

“I give concerts one after the other with my musicians all over Europe and I’ve never had any problems”he added.

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, who won Eurovision 2022, were also scheduled to perform yesterday.

In a press release, the Moldovan border guard stated that they “denied entry to 29 foreigners”, including Goran Bregovic, “during the last 24 hours”.

“The organizers had been informed in advance of this ban, which was imposed from 2022″ under “security measures” decided in coordination with intelligence services and international partners, the same source added.

Authorities in the former Soviet republic are located on alertuh, against the background of the escalation of tensions with Moscow. Chisinau complains that attempts are being made to destabilize the pro-Western government in order for a pro-Russian government to take over.

Born in Sarajevo in 1950 to a Serbian mother and Croatian father, Goran Bregović, rock star of the former Yugoslavia, flourished in the 1970s and 1980s when he fronted the band Bijelo Dugme (“White Button” ).

The rock guitarist then transformed into a composer, signing the film music of Emir Kusturitsa (The Time of the Gypsies, Underground), as well as the Frenchman Patrice Serot (La Reine Margot, 1994).