The Independent Journalism Center, together with the co-signing non-governmental media organizations, condemns the illegal behavior of some participants in the protest organized on June 23 by the Socialist Party, who physically and verbally assaulted the team of journalists from the Fără Filtre media project, who were carrying out their mission to inform citizens about events of public interest. The signatory organizations call on law enforcement agencies to punish the attackers and on the political parties that organized the protest to prevent such behavior by publicly condemning attacks against journalists and promoting a discourse that supports freedom of expression and respect for the press.
While reporting on the events of the protest, Fără Filtre reporter Constantin Niculae was manhandled, and journalist Veronica Gherbovețchi was the target of intimidation and physical aggression by some of the rally participants.
The signatory organizations condemn such defiant behavior, emphasizing that the actions of the rally participants constitute a violation of the right to bodily integrity, individual freedom, and safety, as well as an interference with the special rights guaranteed to journalists.
We note that, according to the Law on Freedom of Expression, the state guarantees freedom of expression of the press, and the intentional illegal obstruction of media activity is a criminal offense. At the same time, we emphasize that threats to bodily integrity or health, insults, and offensive accosting of individuals in public places are criminal offenses under the law.
The undersigned organizations strongly condemn the illegal actions of the perpetrators against the press and point out that such violations cannot be tolerated.
We call on the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova, by virtue of their legal powers, to take note of the acts committed and to initiate the procedures provided for by law in order to bring the aggressors to justice.
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Electronic Press
Association of Independent Press
Media-Guard Association
RISE Moldova
Press Freedom Committee
Association of Environmental and EcoTourism Journalists of Moldova
Access-Info Center
