Media NGOs ask law enforcement bodies to sanction the author of murder threats to journalist Vasile Botnaru

Media nongovernmental organizations condemn the ongoing practice of intimidating journalists online and call on law enforcement bodies to hold harassers and perpetrators accountable.

On September 13, journalist Vasile Botnaru became target of murder threats from a social network user. In his message to the reporter, the person identified by the profile name of Nestor Putina threatened Vasile Botnaru that the latter would be killed (“Soon they’ll find you hanged! Your days are numbered […] either executed or with your throat slit!”).

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 press freedom of expression, and illegal prevention of media activity entails criminal liability. At the same time, we emphasize that the threat of murder or serious harm to bodily integrity or health, including through a computer system, is punishable under the criminal law.

The signatory organizations strongly condemn the perpetrator’s illegal actions and declare that it should be inadmissible to tolerate such violations.

We demand that the law enforcement bodies of Moldova, by virtue of their legal duties, take note of the committed acts and initiate the procedures provided by law to hold the author of the threats accountable.

Independent Journalism Center

Association of Environmental and Ecological Tourism Journalists (AJMTEM)

MediaGuard Association 

Electronic Press Association

Independent Press Association

Access-Info Center

Press Freedom Committee

RISE Moldova