Statement on the Suspension of TVC21’s Broadcasting License

In light of the recent decision to suspend the license of an audiovisual media service provider, the Independent Journalism Center, along with the co-signing organizations, reiterates its concern over the existence and application of this mechanism for the temporary or permanent revocation of TV and radio licenses, which is inconsistent with international standards. Similar legal provisions allowing the suspension of media service providers’ permits without a court ruling have previously been deemed unconstitutional.

On March 27, 2025, the Council for the Promotion of Nationally Significant Investment Projects (CPPIIN) published a decision suspending the broadcasting license of TVC21 (owned by “COTIDIAN” S.A.). The sanction was imposed on the grounds that the station allegedly failed to submit complete documentation and “did not support it with conclusive evidence.” The government described the alleged violation as “an administrative matter related to the company’s shareholders,” emphasizing that the restriction of the station’s broadcasting rights was unrelated to its editorial activity.

We repeatedly express our deep concern that mechanisms similar to those applied in the case of TVC21 have previously been declared unconstitutional (Ruling No. 17 of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova, dated December 6, 2012, on the review of the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Audiovisual Code of the Republic of Moldova No. 260-XVI of July 27, 2006). In light of “the exceptional importance of freedom of expression for a democratic society, which is vulnerable to political pressure and censorship,” the Constitutional Court emphasized that, according to the democratic and constitutional principle of the separation of powers, the only authority competent to determine whether a citizen has seriously violated the law—including through the abusive exercise of freedom of expression—is the judiciary.

The suspension of a television station’s broadcasting license, even temporarily, constitutes a serious infringement on the right to freedom of expression. Imposing such a severe restriction as a sanction for the alleged failure to fulfill “administrative obligations” is manifestly disproportionate and contradicts the legitimate interests protected in a democratic society. Furthermore, the lack of clear, predictable, and high-quality legal standards in this mechanism unequivocally demonstrates its incompatibility with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

We also recall that in December 2023, during the drafting and adoption of this legal framework, the authorities disregarded transparency in the decision-making process and later ignored calls to revise the legislation in line with expert recommendations. We urge the authorities to put an end to such practices.

Given that the legal mechanism applied by CPPIIN clearly violates international standards and sets a dangerous precedent for democracy and the rule of law, we call on the authorities to urgently review the relevant legal provisions to ensure their full compliance with international norms.

Independent Journalism Center

Organizations that have joined the statement:

Access-Info Center

Press Freedom Committee

Association of Environmental and Ecotourism Journalists

Investigative Journalism Center

Legal Resources Centre from Moldova

Promo-LEX Association