Audiovisual Council sanctioned GRT with 30,000 lei for propaganda, manipulation

The Audiovisual Council (CA) imposed a fine of 30,000 lei on the regional public media services provider, Găgăuziya Radio Televizionu (GRT) for violating provisions regarding the correct public information. The decision was made at yesterday's meeting, after reviewing the festive program dedicated to Independence Day on August 27, 2025, broadcast live and later published on GRT's YouTube platform.

According to monitoring done by CA, during the event held in 'Gagauziya Land' park, biased and manipulative speeches were broadcast, including that of Ilan Shor, presented as a 'great friend of Gagauzia and patron.' In his speech, Shor promoted false, discriminatory messages and pro-Kremlin narratives, with a nature of political propaganda and denigration of constitutional authorities.

Among the statements considered false or misleading are:


	
'After 30 years of independence, Moldovans in Moldova have dwindled to practically one-third' – contradicted by National Statistics Bureau data, showing a decrease by about half of the population, not two-thirds;
	
'We truly gained our independence in 1944 when we chased the fascists off our land' – a statement contradicted by historical reality and the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Moldova;
	
calls for 'reunion into a great union state,' contradicting the Constitution and the fundamentals of Moldova's independence.


Additionally, Shor resorted to inciting discriminatory speech, labeling, and inflammatory language, denigrating individuals with mental health issues or addictions, which contradicts the principles of respect for human dignity.

The CA found that GRT violated art. 61 (1) e) of the audiovisual media services code, which obliges providers to ensure correct and balanced public information, avoiding discrimination and manipulation.

In May, the Audiovisual Council sanctioned for the first time a non-linear media service, Channel 5, imposing fines amounting to 85,000 lei for broadcasting political advertising in favor of Ilan Shor and Pobeda Block.