Penalties for assaulting and intimidating journalists could be tightened. Grosu: "Violence against journalists cannot be tolerated"
The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is set to consider the possibility of increasing penalties for the assault and intimidation of journalists. This initiative was announced by the Parliament Speaker, Igor Grosu, following the assault on two journalists from the publication "Ziarul de Garda," Măriuța Nistor and Igor Ionescu. They were attacked while covering a protest organized by Ilan Șor's network in front of the Chișinău Court based in Buiucani.
“Violence against media representatives cannot be tolerated. Journalists from Ziarul de Garda, Măriuța Nistor and Igor Ionescu, were verbally assaulted and physically attacked while covering a demonstration organized by Șor’s criminal network in front of the Chișinău Court based in Buiucani. The demonstration was held in support of defected MP Alexandr Nesterovschi, who is being investigated for political corruption. I condemn this kind of vile behaviour and will urge Parliament to consider toughening penalties for those who assault or intimidate journalists,” wrote Igor Grosu on his Facebook page.
Non-governmental media organizations have also condemned the incident, calling on the authorities to ensure the protection of journalists.
“In light of the repetitive nature of such incidents and the general state of impunity resulting from recent precedents, we urge the authorities to develop and implement effective measures to stop and counter the illegal actions of the ‘protesters’ associated with the fugitive politician Ilan Șor, directed against journalists,” reads the statement from the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
According to Ziarul de Garda, journalists Măriuța Nistor and Igor Ionescu faced both verbal and physical violence while reporting at the protest supporting Alexandr Nesterovschi, who is under investigation for passive corruption and for financing a party through an organized criminal group.
The protesters accused the journalists of being “funded by a criminal group,” a narrative promoted by pro-Russian forces in Chișinău.
Ziarul de Garda reports that the incident escalated when Măriuța Nistor asked a woman why she was protesting. The woman reacted aggressively, shouting at and hitting the journalist. The cameraman, Igor Ionescu, was also attacked, resulting in damage to their video equipment.
According to the Law on Freedom of Expression, the state guarantees the freedom of the media, and any intentional illegal obstruction of media activities can lead to criminal liability. Threatening to harm someone's bodily integrity or health, as well as resorting to insults or offensive behavior in public places, are acts punishable under the law.
