Newspaper building “egged” in protest against article

Several tens of persons have thrown eggs at the offices of “Timpul de Dimineata” newspaper (The Morning Time), in protest against two articles published in the newspaper. The editorial staff qualifies these actions as an attempt to intimidate the journalists. As the staff say, the protesters that called themselves Orthodox Christians entered by force the offices around 2:00 PM, treating rudely the bodyguard and some journalists. They tore some newspapers and tried to set them on fire. At the same time, the exterior walls of the building were “bombarded” with eggs. A number of young men have posted in front of the building posters chanting “The Lost Time” and “How much does the Masonry pay you for making fun of Orthodoxy?” etc. According to Elena Melnic, who introduced herself a believer form the church “Saint Pious Parascheva”, the Christians are indignant at the article “Popa Vana” published in Friday’s number of “Timpul” newspaper and signed by the columnist Constantin Tanase. As well, they protested because of the first page of the same number which pictured Premier Vasile Tarlev wearing a priest’s cassock, which, in their opinion, is a “blasphemy”. When asked why the protesters throw eggs at the building, Melnic said it is a form of protest. They request the editorial staff of the newspaper and Constantin Tanase in person to publicly apologise for “these sins”. Tataina Corai, deputy editor-in-chief of the publication told Info-Prim Neo that the members of the staff tried to discuss amiably with the protesters, but they did not come to an understanding, the latter starting to make threats. “It is clear it is an action taken to intimidate the newspaper, for everything that was written on its pages, for the position it holds. Having “Antena C” and “Euro TV” put up for sale, while “Timpul” is not, other kinds of actions are being found to threaten the journalists”, the source reported. Corai does not exclude the fact that some other forces are behind this action than the declared one. Around 3:30 PM, the protesters have left the spot. The police did not intervene, though a policeman confirmed that the action is not authorised.