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Рy27 February 2020
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Media NGOs condemn the language used by the mayor of Balti municipality, Renato Usatii in relation to the journalists of Tvn.md portal. On 22 February, in a post on his Facebook page, Renato Usatii called a media outlet ‘dirt factory’ that ‘will continue to pour misery over Balti’. The mayor also published this post on his blog (www.ru1.md) and entitled it ‘Dodon Reopens the Mud Factory of Plahotniuc in Balti’.
In response, the media outlet announced that it filed a complaint with the Police against the Mayor, for slender. Concurrently, the editorial asked the Mayor of Balti to present proofs that confirm his accusations, otherwise, to refute publicly the information.
We want to remind all the officials and civil servants of all levels that the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press are fundamental rights enriched in the Constitution. 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.
We ask the local elected servants to adopt a decent language and behaviour in relation to media outlets and journalists.
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
‘Access-Info’ Center
RISE Moldova
