Statement

The non-governmental media organisations condemn any manifestation of hate speech against journalists, regardless of who it comes from and of the context.

Thus, the signatory organisations condemn the statements of PLDM MP Maria Ciobanu, who wrote a Facebook post about the opinions that journalist Victor Nichitus made, without any tolerance whatsoever: ‘I feel like smashing his head in.’

It is not the first time we draw attention that hate speaking has nothing to do with the freedom of speech, including on social networks. We urge all citizens, but first of all the high officials and civil servants, to show decent and fair behaviour towards journalists. Remember that when the ctizens disagree with the way in which journalists do their job, they have the right to inform the Press Council, the Broadcasting Coordination Council and other bodies that will look into the notified cases and take the required measures.

We also call on mass-media representatives to do their job in the spirit of professional fairness and not to engage in campaigns meant to promote politicians, and to follow the Code of Ethics for Moldovan journalists.
 
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