Moldovan speaker on growing cases of journalist intimidation

Speaker Igor Grosu said on Thursday that the authorities would introduce legislative changes aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists in the context of increasing attacks and intimidations against them.

He announced that he has already discussed with the members of the Legal Commission the necessity of drafting amendments to the Criminal Code to firmly combat the intimidation of press representatives.


"I have spoken with colleagues from the Legal Commission. They have confirmed that they will work together with journalists to draft amendments so that we can intervene and vote next week," Grosu said.


He also mentioned that journalists who have been victims of recent incidents will be invited to participate in discussions and contribute to the formation of an effective legal framework.

Government spokesperson Daniel Vodă also mentioned that every case of intimidation must be reported.

The reactions come after several cases of journalist intimidation, the latest occurring today when a journalist was hit with a flag at an event organized by a former political party.

Petru Macovei, director of the Independent Press Association, has called on authorities to take action and urgent measures to protect press freedom.

The Independent Journalism Center, along with several media organizations issued a statement condemning the cases of journalist intimidation and calling on the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to "strengthen with utmost priority the legal guarantees for journalists' safety and protection to address the emerging threats to the press and counter the culture of impunity."