Non-governmental organizations active in the media sector are raising alarm over a surge in attacks, intimidation, and harassment targeting journalists in Moldova. They are calling on authorities to take urgent action to ensure legal guarantees for the safety and protection of press representatives and to put an end to the prevailing culture of impunity.
The Center for Independent Journalism reports that the number of incidents involving threats, physical aggression, and obstruction of media work has increased in recent months, particularly at protests or in politically charged environments.
“Just in the last two weeks, at least five journalists have been intimidated, assaulted, or harassed,” the Center said in a statement.
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Recent Incidents of Concern:
- On June 23, during a PSRM rally, media project reporters Constantin Niculae and Veronica Gherbovețchi were subjected to intimidation and physical aggression by protest participants.
- On June 27, Nadejda Roșcovanu, a photographer for Jurnal.md, was assaulted at the mayor’s office by Ludmila Polodiuc, vice-president of the MAN faction in the municipal council.
- On July 1, journalist Mariuta Nistor from Ziarul de Garda was threatened and intimidated during a court hearing by Alexei Lungu, leader of the “Chance” party, affiliated with Ilan Shor.
- On July 3, TV8 journalist Andrei Captarenco was struck in the head with a flag by a protester supporting Gagauz governor Evghenia Gutul during another court appearance.
Call for Action
Media organizations stress that such acts violate fundamental human rights, including the right to physical safety, liberty, and freedom of expression. They remind authorities that Moldova’s Law on Freedom of Expression and Article 180/1 of the Criminal Code criminalize obstruction of media activity and harassment of journalists for critical reporting.
“We regret that these legal guarantees remain largely ineffective due to poor enforcement and a growing sense of impunity, especially among politically connected perpetrators,” the statement notes.
Recommendations from NGOs:
- Urgent enforcement of existing legal provisions against those who attack or intimidate journalists.
- Revision of national laws to include clear, actionable protections for journalists and accountability mechanisms for offenders.
- Creation of a monitoring and rapid-response mechanism to track, document, and respond to threats or violence against media personnel.
- Specialized training for law enforcement and prosecutors on handling media-related cases, especially during public events or protests.
- Increased police presence and protection for journalists during demonstrations or court proceedings where tensions are high.
Media NGOs emphasize that freedom of the press is a pillar of democracy and must be protected through consistent, proactive, and decisive state action.