Authors and producers whose rights are represented by the National Association “Copyright” ask the Government to dismiss Lilia Bolocan from the post of director of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI).
In a news conference at IPN, composer Liviu Stirbu reminded that the National Association “Copyright”, which he heads, remained without a license that allowed it to collect compensatory remuneration from business entities that make or import equipment and material aids used to reproduce published works for personal purposes. The license was withdrawn after the association sued a mobile phone carrier that for a period hasn’t paid the remuneration that is equal to 3% of the sales of such equipment.
According to Liviu Stirbu, even if the Prosecutor General announced that it took legal action against the AGEPI director over abuse of power, Lilia Bolocan recently responded to a petition filed by “Copyright” without asking for the consent of the consultative body of AGEPI, which is required by law. “Lilia Bolocan protects the interests of the business community, not of authors as she should in accordance with the law,” stated Liviu Stirbu.
Composer Oleg Baraliuc reminded that earlier the Government was also requested to suspend Lilia Bolocan from post, but five days have passed since the deadline by which an answer was to come. “Lilia Bolocan, against whom a criminal case was started, provides an answer without the consent of the institution’s consultative body. We are indignant at what Lilia Bolocan dares to do. We reserve the right to seek help from international organizations to defend our rights,” stated Oleg Baraliuc.
Composer and singer Vitalie Catana said it is regrettable that the AGEPI director dares to commit systematic violations, while the authorities dally to pronounce on her actions. “We do not have who to count on. Do we have to mount a protest with thousands of people to see justice being done? We want her to be dismissed for the actions she takes,” said Vitalie Catana.
Moldovan physicist Eugeniu Turuta, who wrote 60 specialty books about electronics, said the steps taken by Lilia Bolocan represent defiance of common sense. They discourage the authors and undermine their work.
