Media non-governmental organizations (NGOs) condemn the illegal behavior of supporters of the Bashkan of Gagauzia, Evghenia Gutul, toward journalists covering the court hearings in the "Gutul Case." The reaction from media NGOs came after a journalist was assaulted and intimidated on Wednesday during a protest related to the case. Law enforcement authorities are urged to sanction the aggressors and ensure the safety of journalists, IPN reports.

Malvina Cojocari, a journalist from CU SENS, was assaulted and intimidated on February 12 by several supporters of Evghenia Gutul, who were protesting in front of the Chisinau Court, Buiucani branch, where another hearing was held in the case in which the Bashkan is accused of illegally financing political parties. The protesters verbally assaulted the reporter, shoved her, and attempted to snatch the notes from her hands.

Media NGOs express regret over the recurring nature of such incidents. “Reporters from multiple news outlets have reported that, even during previous hearings, they were victims of aggressive behavior from both supporters and politicians affiliated with Ilan Shor,” states a declaration published on the website of the Independent Journalism Center.

The signatory organizations condemn such defiant behavior, emphasizing that the actions of the protesters constitute violations of personal integrity, individual freedom, and safety, as well as interference with the special rights guaranteed to journalists.

The statement highlights that, according to the law, the state guarantees the freedom of expression of the press, and any intentional illegal obstruction of media activity or intimidation of journalists for criticism carries criminal liability. Additionally, the media NGOs stress that threats of bodily harm or health damage, insults, and offensive harassment in public places are punishable offenses under the law.

The signatory organizations strongly condemn the illegal actions directed against the press and underscore the inadmissibility of tolerating such violations.

Media NGOs also criticize the fact that law enforcement officers present at the scene failed to intervene to ensure the safety of the CU SENS journalist. “We call on the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Moldova to fulfill their legal duties, acknowledge the committed offenses, and initiate the necessary legal proceedings to hold the aggressors accountable,” the media NGOs state.