Freedom in the World reports assess the level of political rights and civil liberties in a given geographical area, regardless of whether they are affected by the state, nonstate actors, or foreign powers. Related, disputed, or occupied territories are sometimes assessed separately if they meet certain criteria, including distinct conditions for political rights and civil liberties and boundaries that are sufficiently stable to allow year-on-year comparisons. For more information, see the report methodology and FAQ.

Transnistria is internationally recognized as part of Moldova, but has operated with de facto independence since a brief military conflict in 1992. Its government and economy are heavily dependent on subsidies from Russia, which maintains a military presence in the territory. Political competition is tightly restricted, and the ruling political group is aligned with powerful local business interests. Media freedom is restricted, authorities closely control civil society activity, and due process is not upheld by local authorities, who have carried out targeted arbitrary arrests.

• A resolution adopted in July by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly noted systematic human rights abuses in Transnistria, including illegal arrests and arbitrary detentions, torture and other abuse in custody, and forced recruitment and ill-treatment within the security forces. In September, a conscript soldier reportedly died under unclear circumstances on the grounds of a prison, marking the fourth death among Transnistrian soldiers that year.
• In May, Tiraspol authorities released local activist Victor Pleșcanov, who had been sentenced to prison in 2022 over his critical remarks about the Russian military. In August, authorities released Vladimir Dudnic, a Moldovan citizen who had been detained since traveling to the territory in 2022. However, a number of other arbitrarily detained individuals remained in custody at year’s end.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.