Ombudsman asks CSE for additional information on suspension of six TV channels

Chisinau, Oct. 31 /MOLDPRES/- Ombudsman Ceslav Panico said he was concerned about the suspension of the six TV channels and some websites, and requested the Commission for Emergency Situations /CSE/, the Audiovisual Council and the Intelligence and Security Service to provide additional and complex information on the circumstances that would justify the imposed measures.

The ombudsman said "the implementation of mechanisms to counter threats to the security of the national information space can only take place under the conditions of compliance with international standards, without prejudice to the freedom of the press or with minimal intrusions".

"Authorities must demonstrate that the suspension of the broadcasting license for audiovisual media services complies with the condition of minimal interference and it ensures a fair balance between the competing principles of respecting the right to freedom of expression and respecting informational security," Panico said.

The ombudsman recommended that the authorities identify less intrusive alternative measures, and that suspension measures be evaluated exclusively by the court.

SIS director Alexandru Musteață said on Monday that he requested to block 31 websites, of which 21 are managed directly by Russia, and six TV channels.

Last week, the SIS requested to block 22 websites as they were disseminating information from the "public authorities of the state in military conflict and recognized as an aggressor state".

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