On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, journalists mounted a solidarity march in Chisinau, from the Parliament Building to the State Residence, the Government Building and up to the Broadcasting Coordination Council, where they left by a copy of a memo signed by media NGOs, with recommendations for ensuring the freedom of the media intended for decision-makers, IPN reports.
According to the director of the Independent Journalism Center Nadine Gogu, the memo defines the shortcomings existing in the legal framework given that none of the recent laws on the mass media was adopted in the final reading, including the new Broadcasting Code and the new Law on Access to Information. The authorities are urged to offer access to information of public interest to journalists and to events organized by state institutions.
Journalist Mariana Colun, of the Journalistic Investigations Center, said in her activity she was often banned access to information of public interest. Many of the requests for information remain unanswered. The period during which such information should be provided is not respected. Eleven if information is offered, this is often irrelevant.
Director of the Journalistic Investigations Center Cornelia Cozonac said the freedom of writing exists in Moldova and any journalist who wants to do his job by observing professional deontology can do it. Regrettably, the situation of the press worsened, especially as regards the access to information, concentration of the media and economic problems that prevent the press from being independent. “The journalists cannot struggle for their freedom. Some of them accept to work for party press that misinforms and manipulates. Thus, the rulers feel strong as they can manipulate the obedient journalists,” stated Cornelia Cozonac.
Executive director of the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) Igor Botan said the media outlets in Moldova are regarded by their owners as an instrument for influencing the public opinion. The authorities realize this. “The roadmap that was worked out by the authorities and presented to the European Union in 2016 for showing that they follow the correct path didn’t contain clauses about the de-monopolization of the press and of the advertising market. They are perfectly aware of what they do by concentrating the media in the hands of political groups that provoke events and cover them as they want,” stated Igor Botan.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted in the 26th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 1991.
