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Media NGOs Condemn the Attitude of Deputy Mayor of Balti in Relation to the Journalists of NordNews.md Portal

27 January 2020
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La CJI
Media NGOs condemn the behavior of the Deputy Mayor of Balti, Nicolai Grigorisin, who on Tuesday, January 21, refused to comment on a protest related to the management of the public budget at the request of Nord.News.md portal. The picketing, held in front of Balti Mayoralty, was organized to draw attention to the way how local authorities spent MDL 200 thousand to repair three toilets on the fourth floor of the institution’s headquarters.

"You are a toxic media institution. We can tell you nothing" the Deputy Mayor Nicolai Grigorisin stated to NordNews.md portal and closed the door in front of the film crew.

In this context, we remind the civil servants of all levels that the rights of journalists in the Republic of Moldova are protected by law. Article 4 of Law on Freedom of Expression provides that the media has the duty to inform on matters of public interest and perform journalistic investigations of such matters in accordance with its responsibilities.
 

According to Article 20 of Law on Press, the State guarantees the defense of honor and dignity of a journalist and protects his or her health, life and property.

Article 10 of the Audiovisual Media Services Code provides for measures to protect journalists.

Thus, we call on civil servants and local elected servants to adopt appropriate and decent behavior in relation to journalists acting in their professional field and serving the public interest.

Note that anyone who does not agree with a journalist’s working methods or materials can contact the Press Council of the Republic of Moldova, that is to examine the complaint and give an assessment to the journalist’s professional behavior and/or work quality.
 

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