From Freedom House

In response to reports that several journalists who were trying to cover the unfolding political situation in Moldova were verbally and physically assaulted, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“Journalists must be able to do their work in offering the public objective information and the right to truth without intimidation or violence,” said Marc Behrendt, director for Europe and Eurasia at Freedom House. “The authorities and public protesters must act to ensure that journalists can do their job freely and without obstruction. This is especially important in light of Moldova’s political climate. Maintaining respect for freedom of the media is critical as Moldova tries to determine its steps towards democracy.”

Background:

According to a statement from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and reports from local media outlets and non-governmental organizations in Moldova, several journalists from a range of media, including Agora.md, Anticoruptie.md, Ziarul de Garda, Pro TV, and TV 8, were targeted with physical and verbal intimidation while covering demonstrations and public actions that took place between June 7-9. Journalists faced epithets from protesters, were shoved and hit, and in some instances had their equipment tampered with and damaged. More protests are expected to take place this weekend.

Moldova is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2019.