SEEMO concerned about media being prevented from reporting in Moldova

The South and East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO) urges the Moldovan authorities to allow journalists to work freely and condemns any restriction on the work and free movement of journalists. In a press statement, the organization expresses its concern about reports that the media has been prevented from reporting on public events in Chisinau, Info-Prim Neo reports. The reaction appeared after journalist Oleg Brega was prevented from entering the National Theatre in Chisinau, where an event was being held on the occasion of the Prosecutors' National Day. On the same day, a hotel hosting a meeting of the Democratic Party of Moldova prevented all media from entering. "When journalists are prevented from exercising their duty without any clear explanation, an unhealthy atmosphere of governmental pressure is created. This could and should have been avoided,” said SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic. The media NGOs of Moldova also issued a statement, condemning such behavior towards the journalists. Civil society reminded that on January 31, news crews from the newspapers Adevarul Moldova, Jurnalul TV and StireaZilei.md were prevented from attending a briefing by the First Deputy Head of Parliament, held at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.