Tougher penalties for attacking journalists: fines and jail time
Individuals who intimidate or assault journalists face significant penalties, including fines, community service, or even imprisonment. A series of proposed legislative amendments by PAS deputies Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei and Igor Chiriac aim to impose stricter sanctions on those who deliberately obstruct the work of media representatives. The objective of this initiative is to enhance legal protections for press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
The draft amendment to the Criminal Code proposes that hindering a journalist's activities—if accompanied by intimidation, physical violence, threats, destruction of equipment, or cyber attacks—will be punishable by a fine of up to 42,500 lei, up to 200 hours of unpaid community service, or imprisonment of up to three years.
Penalties will be more severe if the offence is committed by two or more individuals, if it involves the use of official positions, takes place during a public meeting, or is aimed at identifying a journalist’s source. If a journalist is threatened with death or harmed, the proposed punishment includes imprisonment ranging from three to six years, a fine of up to 75,000 lei, and a prohibition on holding certain positions for five years.
Additionally, the Code of Minor Offences will be updated with a new article that addresses unjustified interference in journalistic activities. If the act does not constitute a crime, the offender may face a fine ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 lei.
These amendments are part of a broader bill that also includes measures aimed at combating violence and harassment against women. The report for the second reading was approved by the Legal, Appointments, and Immunities Committee, and the draft is set to be examined in the Parliament's plenary session, reads a statement from the Legislature.
We remind you that last week several journalists were assaulted or intimidated while carrying out their work. The most recent incident occurred on July 3 at the Chisinau Courthouse in Buiucani, during a hearing related to the case of journalist Evghenia Guțul from Comrat. TV8 journalist Andrei Captarenco was assaulted by supporters of the journalist who were protesting outside the court.
