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The cameraman and the driver of the portal were transported to the Police Inspectorate, where they were asked to give written explanations on what grounds they made video and photo recordings. They refused to write explanations, and were dismissed after more than two hours of interrogation.
We qualify these acts as abuse by police and attempts to intimidate journalists. We also find that the police demonstrated censorship by requesting explanations from journalists regarding videos or photos made at an event of public interest.
We shall remind that the Press Law grants to journalists the right to obtain and disseminate information, make audiovisual recordings, film and photograph. Also, according to the Law on Freedom of Expression, censorship is prohibited. Nobody can prevent the media from disseminating information of public interest other than in compliance with the law. Intentional prevention of the media activities or intimidation for criticism are sanctioned by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova (article 1801).
We ask the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova to carry out its own investigation in the case of detention of the film crew of Gagauzinfo.md news portal and to penalize the persons who committed abuses against journalists.
In connection with the fact that such cases of intimidation of journalists take place more and more often, we urge the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Moldova to take note of it and take action to end this phenomenon, as well as to train law enforcement employees with regard to the observance and implementation of the media law.
Independent Journalism Center
Association of Independent Press
Journalistic Investigations Center
Electronic Press Association
Press Freedom Committee
"Acces-info" Center
Association of Independent TV Journalists
