OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls on Moldovan authorities to ensure journalists’ safety and prevent intimidation of media

VIENNA, 12 June 2019 – Following reports that several journalists have been verbally assaulted and intimidated in recent days in Moldova, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called on the authorities to ensure safe working conditions for journalists.

“Journalists must be able to do their work, including during demonstrations and public actions, freely and without intimidation or violence,” Désir said. “I call on the authorities to ensure journalists’ safety. This is especially important in the context of the country’s current political developments.”

According to reports by media outlets and non-governmental organizations, several members of the media, including from Agora.md, Unimedia.info and Anticorupţie.md media portals, Pro TV and TV 8 channels, and Ziarul de Garda investigative reporting newspaper, were affected and obstructed in a number of different incidents between 7 and 9 June.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.