As of 14 February 2026, major amendments[1] to the Criminal Code[2] and the Contravention Code[3] entered into force in the Republic of Moldova, aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists and media work. The new provisions introduce tougher penalties for intimidating, assaulting, or obstructing journalistic activity.
These amendments were adopted in response to recurring problems faced by the press, including physical attacks, intimidation, political or economic pressure, and digital attacks. They come in the broader context of aligning national legislation with EU standards on media freedom, including the principles enshrined in the European Media Freedom Act[4].
The need for genuine protection of the press has been discussed within the journalistic community for years. [5]
In the Republic of Moldova, cases of intimidation, assault, and obstruction of reporters’ work have been reported on a regular basis. [6] Examples frequently cited by media NGOs include:
- Restricted access to information or unlawful bans on filming in certain public institutions;
- Assaults on journalists during political protests, including incidents in which reporters were pushed, threatened, or prevented from filming;
- Online intimidation campaigns, including cyberattacks and threats on social media.
Against this background, the new legal rules are intended to provide clearer tools for sanctioning those who attempt to interfere with the work of the press.
Obstructing media activity becomes a clearly defined criminal offence
The most important legislative change is the introduction of a more detailed regulation of the offence of obstructing media activity, set out in Article 180/1 of the Criminal Code.
What exactly does “obstruction” mean? The law expressly lists several forms, including the use of physical violence or threats of violence, damage to equipment (video cameras, photo cameras, phones, transmission equipment), or interference through an information system, such as online attacks, unauthorized access, or digital sabotage.
Important: by explicitly including attacks carried out in the online sphere, the law acknowledges that pressure on the media is not limited to physical assaults, but can also take place in the digital environment.
These acts are punishable by a fine ranging from 27,500 to 42,500 lei, unpaid community service of 150 to 200 hours, or imprisonment for up to three years. The court may impose any of these penalties depending on the gravity of the offence and the specific circumstances of the case.
The criminal law provides for harsher sanctions when the act is committed under aggravating circumstances. Thus, where the obstruction of journalistic activity is committed, for example, by two or more persons, against several journalists, through the abuse of an official position (for instance, by a public official), or during a public assembly (a rally, protest, or demonstration), the penalty may be a fine of between 37,500 and 57,500 lei, unpaid community service of 180 to 240 hours, or imprisonment for one to five years, with the possibility of a ban on holding certain positions for up to five years.
The express inclusion of situations in which a journalist is pressured to disclose a source directly strengthens the protection of source confidentiality, which is an essential guarantee of press freedom.
Death threats and bodily harm: penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment
In the most serious cases, where the act involves a death threat or causes moderate bodily injury or damage to health, the penalty becomes even more severe. It may consist of imprisonment for three to six years, a fine of between 50,000 and 75,000 lei, or a ban on holding certain positions for up to five years.
Not all acts fall under the Criminal Code. What does the Contravention Code provide?
In addition to criminal sanctions, the law introduces two new administrative offences. The first is insulting a journalist, meaning the intentional humiliation of the honour, dignity, or professional reputation of a journalist while performing their duties. This offence is punishable by a fine of between 500 and 1,500 lei. The provision is similar to protections granted to other professional categories and has a preventive function.
The second is unjustified interference in the activity of a journalist or newsroom where the act does not amount to a criminal offence. This is punishable by a fine of between 1,500 and 3,000 lei. The provision covers situations involving pressure or administrative obstruction that do not reach the criminal threshold but still interfere with the free exercise of the profession.
Through these amendments, the state explicitly acknowledges that journalistic work must be protected against intimidation and violence, and that online pressure is just as serious as physical pressure. The entry into force of these new provisions on 14 February marks an important step toward strengthening the legal guarantees of press freedom in the Republic of Moldova.
What remains essential, however, is that these rules be applied consistently and effectively. Real legal protection depends not only on the wording of the law, but also on how it is enforced in practice.
This publication was produced under the MAAM project – Media Advocacy Action for Moldova: Empowering Moldova’s Public Watchdogs to Safeguard Media Freedom, co-financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Central European Initiative. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the co-financing institutions.
[1] https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=150197&lang=ro
[2] https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=153355&lang=ro#
[3] https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=153356&lang=ro#
[4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/RO/legal-content/summary/european-media-freedom-act.html
[5] https://cji.md/declaratie-pe-marginea-sporirii-numarului-de-cazuri-de-agresare-si-intimidare-a-jurnalistilor/
[6] https://cji.md/categorie/reactii-si-campanii/declaratii-si-petitii/
