{"id":49888,"date":"2025-03-31T14:57:55","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T11:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cji.md\/?p=49888"},"modified":"2025-04-01T16:20:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T13:20:17","slug":"statement-on-the-suspension-of-tvc21s-broadcasting-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cji.md\/en\/statement-on-the-suspension-of-tvc21s-broadcasting-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Statement on the Suspension of TVC21\u2019s Broadcasting License"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> 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\u2019 permits without a court ruling have previously been deemed unconstitutional.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

On March 27, 2025, the Council for the Promotion of Nationally Significant Investment Projects (CPPIIN) published<\/a> a decision suspending the broadcasting license of TVC21 (owned by “COTIDIAN<\/a>” S.A.). The sanction was imposed on the grounds that the station allegedly failed to submit complete documentation and \u201cdid not support it with conclusive evidence.\u201d The government described<\/a> the alleged violation as \u201can administrative matter related to the company\u2019s shareholders,\u201d emphasizing that the restriction of the station\u2019s broadcasting rights was unrelated to its editorial activity.<\/p>\r\n

We repeatedly<\/a> express our deep concern that mechanisms similar to those applied in the case of TVC21 have previously been declared unconstitutional (Ruling<\/a> 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\u2014including through the abusive exercise of freedom of expression\u2014is the judiciary.<\/p>\r\n

The suspension of a television station\u2019s 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).<\/p>\r\n

We also recall<\/a> 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.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Independent Journalism Center<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\r\n<\/strong>Organizations that have joined the statement:<\/p>\r\n

Access-Info Center<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Press Freedom Committee<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Association of Environmental and Ecotourism Journalists<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Investigative Journalism Center<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Legal Resources Centre from Moldova<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Promo-LEX Association<\/strong><\/p>

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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…<\/p>\n

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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\u2019 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”…<\/p>\n

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