According to a material broadcast by the TV channel, journalists went to Sangera to cover a story on 21 February. While standing near a local dining facility, the camera crew was verbally assaulted by its owner, who used indecent language and threatened to hit the cameraman if he filmed the owner. Moreover, according to the journalists, the restaurant owner did not let them go until the security team came.
We condemn this kind of behaviour and remind that deliberate obstruction of media activity is subject to criminal liability.
Note that according to law, the state guarantees the defense of honor and dignity of a journalist and protects his or her health, life and property.
We call on the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to initiate appropriate investigation on the basis of Criminal Code, and to make its results public.
We remind the citizens that they can address the Press Council with any claims to the journalists’ activity.
We also urge journalists to take account of ethical rules and respect the neutrality and presumption of innocence when covering the subjects of public interest.
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Independent Press
Association of Electronic Press
Center for Investigative Journalism
Press Freedom Committee
Association of Independent TV Journalists
‘Access-Info’ Center
RISE Moldova