Representatives of the public association “Voice of free Moldova” and a number of journalists said that attempts are made to close the public regional TV channel in Gagauzia – Gagauziya Radio Televizionu (GRT). According to them, the channel is subject to pressure. The journalists invoke the threats to which the press in Moldova is subject and ask to ensure the right to free expression that is guaranteed by the Constitution.
In a news conference hosted by IPN, Margarita Sorokina, head of the association “Voice of free Moldova”, said that in a program broadcast by the GRT, the participants debated the statements made by Mikhail Sirkeli, who considers himself a journalist. His statements referred to the referendum that was held in Gagauzia in February 2014. Mikhail Sirkeli has the right to express his opinion and the participants in the program also had such a right. He was invited to the program, but didn’t come. Moreover, he could have asked for the right of reply.
“After that program, the Television and Radio Council decided to monitor the program “Discussing Together”. The statement of solidarity with the editor of the portal Nokta.md (e.n. Mikhail Sirkeli) was signed by nine media organizations, such as the Association of Independent Press, the Independent Journlaism Cednter and others,” stated Margarita Sorokina. According to her, the measures applied with regard to the GRT are too drastic as the freedom of expression is not absolute in character, while the freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Nicolai Kostyrkin, coordinator of the Organizational Committee of the International Association of Free Journalists, said that all the circumstances give the impression that these measures referring to the GRT are taken in the current context. The elections for the Bashkan of Gagauzia are approaching. The candidates present their electoral programs and take part in electoral debates, primarily at this TV channel. “If this TV channel is closed, the inhabitants of Gagauzia will be simply unable to examine the candidates and to make a choice. If the TV channel is closed, the move will generate a low presence at the polls. Even if they now consider decreasing the electoral threshold from 50% to 30%, voter turnout will be anyway lower. Consequently, the elections will not be validated,” stated Nicolai Kostyrkin.
Victor Advahov, editor of the portal “Bloknot Moldova”, noted that the GRT can become a victim of the threats made against the press in Moldova. The number of actions to suppress the freedom of expression has increased the last few months, with the suspension of broadcast licenses of six TV channels being a relevant example.
Stepan Piron, head of the Independent Journalism Center of Gagauzia, said the situation involving the GRT is an essential element. This channel should be able to work independently and freely, but it is permanently subject to monitoring and penalties. The channel does not broadcast propaganda or other banned information and ensures the approved broadcast schedule. The GRT is inspected only because it acts not like someone would like.
Note: IPN News Agency gives the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements of the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.
