New platform Veridica.md combats Russian propaganda in Moldova
Monitoring and dismantling fake news promoted in the Republic of Moldova is the objective of the newly launched platform veridica.md.
The platform was inaugurated today in Chișinău by a group of media representatives from both sides of the Prut River. According to the journalists involved, Russia aims to reassert its influence over Chișinău, which may lead to an increase in false narratives and war propaganda targeting Moldova in the coming months, directly promoted by the Kremlin.
The Republic of Moldova is currently embroiled in a hybrid war with the Russian Federation, and the country’s information space has become a battleground with the Kremlin, stated Corneliu Rusnac, the chief editor of veridica.md, during a press conference at IPN.
“We need tools to counteract the false news coming from Moscow. This year, as we approach an electoral period and a referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union, it is crucial to address these challenges. Veridica.md is not an electoral project; rather, it will review the entire information space of Moldova, including Gagauzia and the Transnistrian region,” said Rusnac.
By promoting false information, Russia aims to undermine Moldova’s commitment to the European Union, added Cătălin Gomboș, chief editor of veridica.ro.
“Those who follow veridica.md will notice recurring stories, such as those concerning migrants or a so-called LGBT agenda allegedly promoted by Brussels authorities. These fake news stories are intentional. Russia seeks to weaken democracy in Moldova and diminish Romania’s alignment with the European Union and NATO,” Gomboș explained.
It is important to note that veridica.ro is a publication supported by a non-profit association with correspondents in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Belarus, Serbia, Moldova, and the Baltic States.
Veridica.md is a project initiated by the International Alliance of Romanian Journalists and is part of the Veridica network, which includes veridica.ro, launched in Bucharest at the end of 2020.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
