Statement Concerning the Bureau for Reintegration Policies’ Response to the Intimidation of the Editorial Staff of Zona de Securitate by the Mayor of Varnița
The Independent Journalism Center, alongside the co-signing media NGOs, expresses its deep regret over the inappropriate reaction of the Bureau for Reintegration Policies to the intimidation of the media outlet Zona de Securitate by Alexandr Nichitenco, the mayor of Varnița. This intimidation occurred in connection with the outlet’s public information campaign addressing the energy situation in the Transnistrian region.
Shortly after the public disclosure of information concerning acts of intimidation and pressure exercised by the mayor of Varnița, which resulted in the removal of an informational banner produced by Zona de Securitate, the Bureau for Reintegration Policies responded by stating that “the placement of outdoor advertising is only permissible with the authorization of the local public administration,” and that “the legal aspects of the matter should be resolved directly between the parties involved.”
In doing so, the Bureau for Reintegration Policies erroneously implies that the mayor’s approval constitutes a prerequisite for the placement of the informational banner. Moreover, the incident in question—representing a blatant obstruction of journalistic activity and a severe infringement on the public’s right to information in the Transnistrian region—is inappropriately relegated to a matter to be “resolved” among the “directly involved parties,” namely the advertiser, the mayor of Varnița, and the journalists of Zona de Securitate, who had previously been subjected to intimidation and threats by the mayor, including threats to “restrict their access to the locality.”
We hereby notify the competent authorities that the installation of the banner was executed pursuant to a legally binding advertising dissemination contract between a duly authorized legal entity (as the permit holder for the fixed advertising device) and the editorial team of Zona de Securitate (as the producer and supplier of the advertisement).
The involvement of the local public authority, namely the Varnița Town Hall, in matters related to outdoor advertising is strictly limited to the issuance of a permit—valid for a five-year term—for the placement and operation of fixed advertising devices (specifically, the metal structure supporting the banner), as well as ensuring adherence to the technical standards governing such devices, including category, location, dimensions, display area, and number of display faces.
The banner’s removal was not justified by any failure to comply with operational or technical requirements but was solely motivated by the content of the message displayed (“When you don’t pay for gas with money — you pay with your future”).
Pursuant to Article 41, paragraph [2] of the applicable law, any interference by local public administration authorities in the content of outdoor advertising is expressly prohibited. Furthermore, the content of advertising displayed on authorized devices is not subject to prior approval or authorization by local governmental bodies.
We unequivocally reaffirm our full support for the journalists of Zona de Securitate and their unwavering commitment to accurately reporting on the realities within the Transnistrian region. We urgently call upon the constitutional authorities of the Republic of Moldova to take all necessary measures to unequivocally condemn, prevent, and put an end to these unacceptable acts of intimidation and censorship.
Independent Journalism Center
Organizations that have joined the statement:
- Association of Independent Press
- Committee for Press Freedom
- Electronic Press Association
- Center for Journalistic Investigations
- “Access-info” Center
