We condemn the labels used by the general director of the Teleradio-Moldova Company in relation to the Cu Sens Media Project
Non-governmental organizations in the media field express their concern about the public statements made by the general director of the public institution Teleradio-Moldova, Vladimir Țurcanu, during a broadcast,[1] in which the journalistic investigation (“The interests behind the scandals at TRM”)[2] carried out by the Media Project “Cu Sens” was described as “a disgrace to the profession of journalism.” We call on the manager of the public audiovisual media service provider to issue a public apology and adopt a responsible discourse based on arguments and respect for press freedom and its role in a democratic state.
We believe that such statements, made in the absence of concrete factual arguments proving bad faith or violation of professional standards, are defamatory and risk damaging the reputation of an independent media institution, as well as creating a hostile climate towards investigative journalism.
We remind you that the press plays an essential role in a democratic society, including investigating and informing the public about the management of public resources and the activities of state institutions. Journalistic criticism carried out in good faith and in the public interest enjoys increased protection both under national law and in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. At the same time, Moldovan law expressly enshrines the right to criticize public authorities and the obligation to ensure that the public is correctly informed.
We emphasize that persons holding leadership positions in public institutions financed from public funds must show a high degree of tolerance towards criticism from the press and avoid labels or descriptions that may have an intimidating effect on journalists or discourage the media from exercising its legitimate role.
The Center for Independent Journalism, together with the co-signing media NGOs, expresses its solidarity with the team of the Media Project “Cu Sens” and reaffirms its support for investigative journalism carried out in the public interest, in compliance with professional and ethical standards. At the same time, we urge representatives of public institutions to adopt a responsible discourse, based on arguments and respect for press freedom and its role in a state governed by the rule of law.
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Environmental and EcoTourism Journalists of Moldova
Access-Info Center
Center for Investigative Journalism
Association of Independent Press
Media-Guard Association
RISE Moldova
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTafwgGOx0s
[2] https://cusens.md/ro/investigatii/interesele-din-spatele-scandalurilor-de-la-trm/
