We condemn Igor Dodon’s intimidating and degrading behavior towards several female journalists

The Independent Journalism Center, together with co-signing non-governmental media organizations, strongly and unequivocally condemns the intimidating and degrading behavior of PSRM deputy Igor Dodon towards several female journalists who were performing their professional duty of informing the public about the criminal case generically known as “Kuliok,” in which the politician is a defendant.

Arriving at the court hearing on February 17, Igor Dodon avoided answering the legitimate questions of TV8 journalist Camelia Ciornocan, opting instead for a monologue and resorting to sarcastic remarks. Phrases such as “I know you’re a gossip, wait” or the nickname “little one,” as well as the gesture of grabbing her hand while she was asking a question, are incompatible with the standards of responsible public behavior and denote an attitude of intimidation and disrespect for journalism.

The CU SENS editorial office also reported another incident that took place on the same day, in which Igor Dodon allowed himself to leave his coat in the arms of journalist Doina Onofrei, who was present at the court hearing, as a “guarantee” that he would honor his promise to answer questions. This gesture is deeply inappropriate and trivializes the role of journalists, reducing professional interaction to a display of ostentatious superiority and humiliation.

We remind PSRM MP Igor Dodon that the press has a legitimate role in asking questions of people who hold or have held public office, especially when they are involved in cases of major interest to society. Refusal to answer is a right of every person, but offensive remarks or intimidating gestures cannot substitute it.

The use of derogatory terms or personal insinuations in relation to a journalist performing her professional duties is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of public dialogue based on respect and reasoned argument.

We call on MP Igor Dodon to cease such behavior and to adopt appropriate conduct toward media representatives in the future, responding clearly and responsibly to journalists’ legitimate questions. We also call on the politician to issue a public apology to the journalists of TV8 and CU SENS for his unacceptable behavior.

We also encourage newsrooms to pay greater attention to training reporters to deal with intimidating situations, through training and clear response protocols, so that they can respond firmly and professionally to any abusive behavior.

Independent Journalism Center

Organizations that have joined the statement:

Center for Investigative Journalism

Association of Independent Press

Media-Guard Association

Access-Info Center

Association of Electronic Press

Press Freedom Committee

RISE Moldova

Association of Environmental and EcoTourism Journalists of Moldova