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Thus, on Wednesday, November 29, a journalist of the Ziarul de Gardă investigative newspaper, while visiting the Centru district administration office in Chisinau, was intimidated by an employee who introduced himself as the Head of the Social and Economic Department of the Centru district administration office. The journalist who investigated a story of illegal enrichment was forced out of the office by this employee, although several official requests for information had been filed earlier, including a request for an interview.
Media NGOs condemn such actions and remind that the rights of journalists in the Republic of Moldova are protected by law, and any deliberate obstruction of the media or journalists’ activity is prosecuted under the Criminal Code. In addition, Article 20 of the Law on Press provides that the state guarantees them protection of their health, life and property.
We call on the Chisinau Mayor’s Office to investigate this incident and to publicly report on the measures taken against the abuser of the Ziarul de Gardă reporter.
We shall also note that the new order issued by Silvia Radu [interim mayor], which requires all civil servants to communicate with the press exclusively through the press service, seriously affects access to information as well as the media principles of pluralism and relevance, since it is virtually impossible for the press and society to obtain any comments and explanations regarding the various services provided by the Mayor’s Office within reasonable time. We urge the Mayor's Office to consult with the media before making any decisions regarding communication with the media, in order to have the best solution for citizens and for their right to information.
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Independent Press
Electronic Press Association
Journalistic Investigations Center
Association of Independent TV Journalists
Press Freedom Committee
“Acces-Info” Center
