We condemn the degrading treatment of press by Bashkan Evghenia Gutul’s supporters and ask law enforcement authorities to ensure journalist safety

Non-governmental media condemn the wrongful treatment of press by several supporters of Evghenia Gutul, Bashkan of ATU Gagauzia, which was degrading for the journalists covering court sessions in the Gutul case. The signatory media ask law enforcement authorities to penalize aggressors and to ensure the safety of journalists fulfilling their mission of informing citizens about events of public interest.

On February 12, Malvina Cojocari, a CU SENS journalist was assaulted and intimidated by several supporters of Evghenia Gutul who were protesting in front of the Chisinau Court, Buiucani Office where another hearing was being held on the case in which the Bashkan is accused of illegal funding of political parties. They verbally assaulted the reporter, shoved her and tried to take her note sheets out of her hand.

Regretfully, this is a recurring situation. Journalists from several media reported that during previous court sessions they were also subject to aggressive behavior on the part of some supporters, as well as some politicians affiliated to Ilan Shor who were present on the spot.

The signatory media condemn such defiant behavior, stressing that the protesters’ actions violated the person’s right to physical integrity, individual freedom and safety, as well as the special rights guaranteed to journalists.

Please note that, according to the Law on freedom of expression, the state guarantees freedom of expression to the press, while intentional illegal prevention of media activity or intimidation of journalists for criticism entails criminal liability. At the same time, we emphasize that threats of harm to physical integrity or health, insults and offensive treatment in public places are subject to legal prosecution.

The signatory media strongly condemn the perpetrators’ wrongful actions towards the press and red-flag that such violations should be intolerable.

We also condemn that law enforcement officials who were nearby did not step in to ensure the safety of the CU SENS journalist. We request that the Moldovan law enforcement authorities, by virtue of their legal duties, take note of the violations and initiate the necessary legal procedures to hold the aggressors accountable.

At the same time, we ask the General Police Inspectorate to ensure the security of journalists during protests and public events and to interfere promptly whenever they are assaulted and their physical and moral integrity is put to danger.

Independent Journalism Center

Association of Environmental and Ecological Tourism Journalists (AJMTEM)

MediaGuard Association

Electronic Press Association

Independent Press Association

“Access-Info” Center

Journalistic Investigation Center

Press Freedom Committee

RISE Moldova

Other non-governmental organizations that joined the declaration:

Public Policy Institute