Media NGOs condemn the illegal actions against journalists committed by the participants in the rally organised by Sor Party and call on the law enforcement bodies to punish the perpetrators

Media non-governmental organisations condemn the illegal behaviour of several participants in the rally organised by Sor Party, who verbally and physically assaulted at least two female journalists who were carrying out their mission to inform citizens about events of public interest. The signatory organizations call on the law enforcement bodies to punish the perpetrators.

During the media coverage of the rally, a journalist from Agora, Irina Soltan, and a TV8 reporter, Viorica Tataru, became the target of intimidation, insulting accusations and insults from some participants in the rally. Namely, protesters’ inappropriate behaviour included verbal and physical harassment against the reporter from Agora, („You’re hot like that…”, „I’ll break your phone!”, „How much did they pay you to film?”). At the same time, the TV8 journalist became the target of insults and threats of violence made by a rally participant.

The signatory organizations condemn such defiant behaviour, pointing out that the participants’ actions during the rally constitute a violation of the right to bodily integrity of a person, of their individual freedom and safety, as well as an interference with the special rights guaranteed to journalists.

We state that under the Law on Freedom of Expression, the state guarantees the freedom of expression of the media and the intentional unlawful obstruction of the media activity entails criminal liability. At the same time, we emphasise that threats of bodily harm or harm to health, insults and a person’s mistreatment in public places are acts criminalised by law.

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