We condemn the online campaigns to harass the media and call on law enforcement agencies to punish those responsible for the threats against TV8 journalist Viorica Tătaru

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC), together with the co-signing organizations, strongly condemns the acts of harassment, intimidation, and defamation directed against media representatives online and emphasizes that such practices must not be tolerated in a state governed by the rule of law.

We express deep concern regarding the intimidation campaign waged against TV8 journalist Viorica Tătaru, manifested through insults, offensive labels, threats, and other forms of verbal attacks disseminated via the social media platform Facebook and the messaging app Telegram. These messages were sent from accounts belonging to identified and unidentified individuals, as well as from profiles showing signs of the coordinated use of fake or automated accounts. The journalist became the target of the smear campaign in the context of her coverage of a flash mob held on March 21 in memory of Ludmila Vartic.

We emphasize that, in a democratic society, disagreement with journalistic work cannot in any way justify the use of threats, insults, slander, or other acts of harassment.

We remind you that the legislation of the Republic of Moldova guarantees freedom of expression and protects the honor, dignity, and safety of journalists. Acts of intimidation, threats, defamation, and the dissemination of false information targeting journalists constitute serious offenses that must be firmly and promptly sanctioned by the authorities.

The lack of effective and swift countermeasures fosters a climate of impunity and encourages the perpetuation of these practices, which are destructive to a democratic society.

We call on law enforcement agencies to take the necessary actions without delay to hold accountable those responsible for the threats, slander, and insults directed at journalist Viorica Tătaru.

The IJC urges all journalists and media institutions targeted by such hostile campaigns to use the available legal means to obtain recognition and redress for the harm suffered. We encourage the affected media to take legal action against the perpetrators of the attacks to have their rights restored.

Independent Journalism Center

Organizations that have joined the statement:

• Association of Independent Press
• Press Freedom Committee
• Media-Guard”Association
• Association of Electronic Press
• Acces-Info Center
• Association of Environmental and EcoTourism Journalists of Moldova
• RISE Moldova