Freedom of press in Moldova questionable after electing a new President
Moldovan media outlets are concerned about the freedom of press after the journalists were fenced during the inauguration of the current President Nicolae Timofti. The event took place on March 23, 2012.
“The journalists are supposed to stay in a corner of the Republican Palace and are not allowed to enter the hallway,” according to a press release of the Independent Journalism Center of Moldova issued yesterday.
The reporters say the Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Security and Guard Service of Moldova were responsible for the security of the President, as well as of those participating at the event.
In this regard, the Independent Journalism Center signed a joint statement together with the Journalistic Investigations Center, Independent Press Association and Free Press Association of Moldova, protesting against the limitation of journalists at important public events, “unallowable situation in a democratic society.”
The document says that the signatories demand from authorities to take efficient measures against those responsible for the situation, so that “in the future the journalists to have the possibility to professionally report and to have free access at the main public events,” concludes the statement.
During Nicolae Timofti’s investment the press had to stay in a small corner of the room where the event took place. Some journalists expressed their anger by protesting before and after the event. Most of the media representatives had to stand, having no chairs or even enough space to video-tape the event.
“We want to be free in the Parliament,” was written on one of the banners posted by the reporters at the fence which separated the press by the guests at the inauguration.
Almost a week since he started his term in office, many journalists are complaining by that fact that the new elected President doesn’t really want to talk to the press.
“I am against the idea the President to always participate in TV shows. Only when it will be necessary the people to know the administration’s perspective regarding specific problems, the President will come not in one year, but in a month,” said Mr. Timofti during an interview at PRIME channel.
According to Freedom House, Moldova’s press is seen as “partly free.” The international organization Reporters without Borders informs that Moldova is placed on the 114th place out of 178.
Comments