Media NGOs condemn online media harassment campaigns and ask law enforcement bodies to sanction perpetrators of insults and verbal attacks
We note with concern and condemn the perpetuation of bullying of journalists in the online environment. We call on law enforcement bodies to hold accountable harassers and perpetrators of threats, slander, and insults.
In the current period, the phenomenon of hostile and irresponsible speech in the online environment, aimed at intimidating and discrediting the image of some media outlets and journalists, continues to grow on social networks and messaging platforms such as Telegram.
This week, the editorial staff of the portal Agora.md and the journalist Irina Soltan have become the target of insults, offensive labels, and unsubstantiated and denigrating accusations from the individual behind the Telegram channel “Ungureanu112”, which are launched in order to damage the image and reputation of the media outlet and the reporter Irina Soltan. Another example of irresponsible and subliminal speech directed against the press was generated by the politician Ion Chicu on October 23. The former prime minister relapsed[1] by resorting to expressions incompatible with proper public discourse. This is an obvious attempt to intimidate the media and undermine the right to exercise the profession of journalist in a safe and respectful setting.
Signatory organizations condemn these unacceptable practices, highlighting the increased danger of their rooting and perpetuation online. According to the Law on freedom of expression, the state guarantees the freedom of expression of the press, and illegal prevention of the activity of the media entails criminal liability. At the same time, we underline that the expression of insults, the spread of false and defamatory reports, the threat and harassment of journalists, committed including through a computer system, are punishable by national legislation.
The lack of prompt reactions and measures to counter these vicious practices creates a state of impunity and the erroneous perception that online speech is exempt from legal requirements. The signatory organizations strongly condemn the actions of the administrator of the Telegram channel “Ungureanu112” and the politician Ion Chicu and signal the inadmissibility of tolerating such violations.
We ask the law enforcement bodies of the Republic of Moldova, by virtue of their legal duties, to take note of the committed acts and to initiate procedures provided by law in order to hold accountable the perpetrators of insults, offensive labels, and unsubstantiated and denigrating accusations against the press.
[1] https://cji.md/ong-urile-de-media-condamna-comportamentul-inadmisibil-al-politicianului-ion-chicu-in-raport-cu-reportera-zdg-mariuta-nistor/
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Environmental and Ecological Tourism Journalists
MediaGuard Association
Electronic Press Association
Independent Press Association
“Access-Info” Center
Press Freedom Committee
