Parliament passed the new draft Code of Audiovisual Media Services of Moldova in the first reading on April 20. The document contains a series of new regulations concerning the audiovisual communication principles based on which all the providers of media services should work. The MPs of the opposition criticized the draft, IPN reports.

According to the authors, the document regulates the freedom of expression, editorial independence, ensuring of correct informing, protection of minors and persons with disabilities. It guarantees gender balance, protects the national audiovisual sector and ensures ownership transparency and access to major events.

Separate chapters refer to the organization and functioning of linear and non-linear media, the mission of public providers of media services, the functioning of the national public broadcaster, commercial individual communication and the Broadcasting Council.

Socialist MP Vlad Batrancea said the draft code is restrictive and was promoted in a hurry without the appraisal of the legal commission for appointments and immunities and the National Anticorruption Center. The Socialist group will request the Constitutional Court to annul the document.

The Communist group also didn’t support the bill. In her speech, the leader of the group Inna Supac said that instead of speaking about the progress of the press, they have to speak about its regression. The new code does not solve the problems existing in broadcasting, but extends them.

Liberal-Democratic MP Iurie Tap noted that the bills needs major amendments for the second reading as in the current form it does not ensure the independence of the media.