European Journalists protest against arrest of employee at Pro TV station

A European media organization is deeply concerned about the recent arrest of the sales director at Pro TV Chisinau station, Ghenadie Braghis, and calls on the President Voronin’s influence in this case. The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns, in a letter sent to President Voronin on September 20, the way the Pro TV employee was treated by law enforcement bodies. “There is considerable concern that Braghis’ arrest may be related to the critical reporting of the TV station”, the letter says. President Voronin is asked “to use his influence on Moldovan officials and institutions to encourage them to respect the legal procedures in police investigations”. SEEMO also underlines that “an open media environment allowing for the free flow of information, as well as the existence of critical media, is a fundamental principle of any democratic society”. The sales manager at Pro TV Chisinau channel, Ghenadie Bragis, was arrested on September 7 on suspicion of demanding a USD 1,000 bribe. During his detention, Bragis was denied access to legal counsel. Pro TV Chisinau claimed the arrest was a setup of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A number of political parties and media organizations have criticized the arrest. Bragis was set free on September 12, continuing to be under investigation. The Vienna-based SEEMO comprises a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe. SEEMO is also an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI).