21 August 2018
1132 reads
![](http://old.media-azi.md/sites/default/files/39467277_2028384744158997_1292754159317024768_n.jpg)
The Hancesti Police Inspectorate (PI) launched an internal investigation of Cristina Vicol, press officer at the respective institution, which introduced herself as an Unimedia photojournalist trainee to some August 19 protest participants, organized in this town by the National Resistance Movement “Acum”.
Mariana Beţivu, the press officer of the Public Relations Department of the General Police Inspectorate (PGI), stated for Media-azi.md that an internal investigation was launched in the case of Cristina Vicol from Hancesti PI, which will clarify all the circumstances of this case. “An internal investigation does not mean that she will be...fired. A warning could be issued, etc. All the circumstances will be determined by the internal investigation: the motive, etc.” clarified Betivu.
The Head of the Hancesti Inspectorate, Lilian Luca, confirmed that the internal investigation is currently ongoing and that the case will be investigated within 30 days . “If it will not be enough - the deadline will be extended”, added Lilian Luca.
Cristina Vicol has not returned our calls and messages.
The policewoman was filmed by one of the protesters on August 19, in Hancesti, while she was taking pictures during the protest. Asked by the protesters what institution she represents, she answered to be a photojournalist trainee at Unimedia, sent to the protest by the manager of the portal, Cristian Jardan. Vicol seemed suspicious to the protesters, because she did not have a press card which she had “forgotten” “in her car, parked at the station”. They have notified Unimedia that someone pretends to be a trainee of this newsroom, taking pictures of and filming her.
Unimedia Director, Cristian Jardan, has publicly stated that the person appearing on those images was not a trainee, nor an employee of the portal, and that Unimedia reporters and trainees "take pictures and film with their phones, not cameras."
Subsequently, internet users have identified her as Cristina Vicol, and the representatives of the General Police Inspectorate have confirmed that this person is an employee of the Hancesti PI.
Mariana Beţivu, the press officer of the Public Relations Department of the General Police Inspectorate (PGI), stated for Media-azi.md that an internal investigation was launched in the case of Cristina Vicol from Hancesti PI, which will clarify all the circumstances of this case. “An internal investigation does not mean that she will be...fired. A warning could be issued, etc. All the circumstances will be determined by the internal investigation: the motive, etc.” clarified Betivu.
The Head of the Hancesti Inspectorate, Lilian Luca, confirmed that the internal investigation is currently ongoing and that the case will be investigated within 30 days . “If it will not be enough - the deadline will be extended”, added Lilian Luca.
Cristina Vicol has not returned our calls and messages.
The policewoman was filmed by one of the protesters on August 19, in Hancesti, while she was taking pictures during the protest. Asked by the protesters what institution she represents, she answered to be a photojournalist trainee at Unimedia, sent to the protest by the manager of the portal, Cristian Jardan. Vicol seemed suspicious to the protesters, because she did not have a press card which she had “forgotten” “in her car, parked at the station”. They have notified Unimedia that someone pretends to be a trainee of this newsroom, taking pictures of and filming her.
Unimedia Director, Cristian Jardan, has publicly stated that the person appearing on those images was not a trainee, nor an employee of the portal, and that Unimedia reporters and trainees "take pictures and film with their phones, not cameras."
Subsequently, internet users have identified her as Cristina Vicol, and the representatives of the General Police Inspectorate have confirmed that this person is an employee of the Hancesti PI.