Gagauzia’s GRT fined 30,000 lei for broadcasting manipulative Independence Day messages
The regional public media service provider, "Gagauziya Radio Televizione" (GRT), was fined 30,000 lei by the Audiovisual Council (CA) for violating legal provisions regarding the provision of accurate information to the public. This decision followed the monitoring of a festive program dedicated to Independence Day, which was broadcast live on August 27, 2025, and later published on the institution's YouTube platform.
The Audiovisual Council (CA) reported that a station broadcast speeches from an event held at the “Gagauziya Land” park featuring public officials, including the convicted fugitive Ilan Shor, who was presented as a “great friend of Gagauzia and a patron.”
The CA's analysis revealed that Shor's speech contained "false and manipulative messages" that were biased and aligned with certain narratives of the Russian Federation. Among the misleading statements identified were claims regarding a two-thirds reduction in the population of the Republic of Moldova, assertions that the standard of living had dropped to the "poverty line," and the suggestion that "true independence was achieved in 1944" with the reoccupation of Bassarabia by the USSR.
Additionally, the speech was noted for using manipulative techniques, inflammatory language, and discriminatory remarks, including those targeting individuals with mental health issues or addictions.
According to the CA, these issues violate the principles of fairness, balance, and impartiality as outlined by the Code of Audiovisual Media Services.
The Council emphasized that GRT continues to serve as a platform for narratives that are hostile toward the Republic of Moldova. This is particularly concerning in the pre-election context and amidst attempts at informational destabilization.
We remind you that in May, the CA imposed sanctions for the first time on a non-linear media service, “Canal 5.” This institution was fined 85,000 lei for airing political advertising in favor of Ilan Shor and the “Pobeda” Bloc.
