We condemn the harassment of the press online and call on law enforcement agencies to punish the perpetrator of the insults and threats directed at journalist Vitalie Călugăreanu

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC), together with the co-signing organizations, condemns online intimidation of the press. We call on law enforcement agencies to hold accountable the perpetrator of the threats and insults directed at journalist Vitalie Călugăreanu.

On April 18, Vitalie Călugăreanu became the target of insults, offensive labels, and threats (“I hope you’ll hang from the same pole as Tătaru [presumed reference to TV8 reporter Viorica Tătatru, ed.]”) from a Facebook user identified as Boris Cerlat. We note that the same user, who on his profile page identifies himself as a supporter of the political party Partidul Nostru, sent TV8 journalist Mariana Rață, on October 30, voice messages containing multiple insults and death threats (“people will stick a knife in your throat”), thus expressing his disagreement with the questions posed to the leader of Our Party, Renato Usatîi, during the program “Cutia Neagră cu Mariana Rață.”

The scale of harassment against the independent press online can no longer be ignored. Such actions place enormous pressure on journalists and create a climate of hostility, seriously undermining the public’s right to accurate and objective information. 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. At the same time, we emphasize that threats of murder or serious bodily harm or injury to health, including those made via a computer system, constitute offenses under criminal law.

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 the perpetrator of the threats and insults against journalist Vitalie Călugăreanu accountable.

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