We Condemn the Initiative of BCS Deputies to Introduce a “Foreign Agents” Law in Moldova
The Independent Journalism Center, together with the undersigned media NGOs, strongly condemns the submission of a draft law on the “status of foreign agents” to Parliament. We view this initiative by six deputies from the Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BCS) as a blatant attack on fundamental human rights and press freedom.
On March 28, BCS deputies Constantin Starîș, Inga Sibova, Nicolai Rusol, Valeriu Muduc, Vladimir Voronin, and Diana Caraman introduced a bill that seeks to regulate so-called “foreign agents” in the Republic of Moldova. The proposed legislation imposes severe penalties on organizations that fail to register in a designated database, including excessive bureaucratic requirements, financial restrictions, and the potential dissolution of non-compliant entities.
We consider this proposal a direct assault on civil society, independent media, and the public’s right to access reliable information. It is evident that this bill is modeled on repressive laws implemented by authoritarian regimes, such as that of the Russian Federation, and is fundamentally incompatible with the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The draft legislation arbitrarily defines “foreign agents” as entities receiving at least 50% of their funding from external sources, forcing them to publicly declare themselves as organizations under “foreign influence” and subjecting them to restrictive measures that would hinder their ability to function. Moreover, the proposed sanctions—including the freezing of bank accounts, exorbitant fines, and the forced closure of organizations—mirror tactics used to suppress dissent in autocratic states.
While we acknowledge that, given the current parliamentary composition, this draft law is unlikely to pass, its mere introduction is deeply concerning and sets a dangerous precedent. We call on the BCS deputies to immediately withdraw this proposal and to refrain from advancing any future legislation that threatens press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in Moldova.
Independent Journalism Center
Co-signing media NGOs:
Media-Guard Association
Association of Environmental and Ecotourism Journalists
Association of Electronic Press
Acces-Info Center
Center for Investigative Journalism
Committee for Press Freedom
RISE Moldova
Other non-governmental organizations that endorsed the statement:
Women 4 Women
Roma Women’s Platform “Romni”
Platform for Gender Equality
- Women’s Law Centre
National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, comprising 127 organizations
