TV8 journalist Viorica Tătaru was detained in Tiraspol, where she went to cover a protest mounted in the Transnistrian region against the alleged “economic pressure exerted by Moldova”. The Bureau for Reintegration Policies reacted, demanding that the journalist should be set free unconditionally. Promo-LEX Association informed embassies and the Ombudsman’s Office about the incident, IPN reports.
“In connection with the illegal detention of journalist Viorica Tătaru by representatives of the so-called police bodies of the Transnistrian region, Tiraspol’s chief negotiator in the Transnistrian settlement process was immediately notified of this, with the request that she should be immediately released and offered the possibility of returning safely to the right side of the Nistru,” said the Bureau for Reintegration Policies.
The institution notes that this outrageous case was brought to the attention of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and relevant foreign partners, with the request to take all possible measures to convince Tiraspol to renounce abuses and provocations, to equally respect the rights and freedoms of all media representatives, to contribute to the unconditional release of journalist Viorica Tătaru and her safe return to the right bank of the Nistru.
Promo-LEX reiterated the fundamental importance of press freedom and protection of journalists, which are the pillars of a democratic society. “We call on all mentioned entities to act with maximum seriousness and promptness to ensure the release and protection of journalist Viorica Tătaru,” said the Association.
The protest was organized by the Transnistrian administration against the new provisions of the Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova, according to which all economic agents, including those from the Transnistrian region, will pay customs duties on general principles, taking into account the preferences granted in accordance with international treaties and agreements to which the Republic of Moldova is a party. The official Chisinau said the provisions of the new Customs Code create equal treatment conditions for all companies from both banks of the Nistru.
The Transnistrian administration repeatedly leveled criticism, noting that the new provisions are “unfriendly” and will cause losses of tens of millions of dollars to the region.
