Media NGOs call on law enforcement bodies to punish those who made murder threats against journalists

Non-governmental media organizations condemn the online intimidation of journalists who are doing their jobs of informing  the public about the rally organised by Șor Party and call on law enforcement bodies to prosecute those who threaten journalists with death.

On 23 October, TV8 reporter Viorica Tataru became the focus of murder threats from a social network user.  In a private message, addressed to the journalist, the man whose profile is identified as Costea Gorpin warned the reporter that she would be killed for the questions she asks to the participants in the protests organized by Șor Party – “You will get a bullet in the head from someone with your questions”.

The reporters of Ziarul de Gardă are also among the victims of online threats. Journalists were threatened with beheading after the publication of an investigation into the protests organized by Șor Party (“Don’t criticize, or someone will cut your head off. You have my word. Yes, kids, we’ll cut your heads off for real.”

The signatory organizations condemn these unacceptable actions, highlighting the heightened danger of their establishment and perpetuation online.  We state that under the Law on Freedom of Expression, the state shall guarantee freedom of expression of the media and the intentional unlawful obstruction of the media activity entails criminal liability. At the same time, we stress that the threat of murder or serious injury to bodily integrity or health constitutes an act criminalized by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova.

The signatory organizations strongly condemn the offenders’ illegal actions against the media and highlight that such violations shall not be tolerated.

We urge the law enforcement bodies of the Republic of Moldova, by virtue of their legal duties, to take note of the deeds committed and to initiate the procedures provided for by law to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Independent Journalism Center

Environment and Ecotourism Journalists’ Association

Media Guard Association 

Association of Electronic Press

Association of Independent Press

Access-Info Center

Center for Investigative Journalism

Press Freedom Committee 

RISE Moldova