The journalists targeted in the list of persons who were intercepted said that this situation brings to the attention of the public the problem of the functioning of the rule of law and the respect for human rights in Moldova. According to them, if it is true, it is a grave violation that state employees, paid by the tax payers, instead of dealing with real work, collected information about persons who disturbed the former regime. Asked by IPN, the journalists expressed their hope that law enforcement bodies will shed light on this case.
The journalist Mariana Rață is not surprised by the information presented by the deputy Chiril Moţpan about interceptions. "We knew we were tapped. What shocked me was the scale of the phenomenon - about one hundred people, namely journalists, civic activists and NGO members. This means that an army of public employees from MIA, SIS and other bodies, instead of dealing with the security and protection of citizens, collected information about persons who disturbed the former regime", said Mariana Rață. In her opinion, it is important that this subject is the focus of public attention. "We should insist on answers from law enforcement bodies. Of course, we will notify the Prosecutor's Office as soon as we obtain the primary documents that prove the tapping", said the journalist.
The Independent Press Association executive director, Petru Macovei, said that if this list is true and that public employees paid out of tax payer dimes have indeed tracked uncomfortable people and tapped their telephone discussions, then things are extremely serious. "Things are bad because - we should remember - a journalistic investigation into this topic has already been published in June which triggered investigations into this issue, however, to no avail", said Petru Macovei. The media expert added that it should be taken into account that the list might not be genuine. "Some of the colleagues on the list say that their photos on the list are taken in September-October, not during the period when Gheorghe Cavcaliuc was the former deputy head of the IGP, at MAI. One way or another, the situation must be rigorously investigated, while the state of the Republic of Moldova must guarantee that no citizen will be intimidated, intercepted or persecuted for his or her visions and position in society", said Petru Macovei.
Journalist Aurica Rusnac-Jardan was surprised to find herself on the list presented today by the chairman of the Committee for national security, defense and public order, Chiril Moţpan. "I couldn't believe it until I listened to Mr. Moţpan's statements in order to convince myself that indeed my name is on the list. The reasons are unclear to me. I have nothing to hide. It is still unclear to me when was I tapped. I hope I will find answers to these questions. My colleagues and media organizations have noted this. I hope that law enforcement bodies will shed light on this case as soon as possible. This is very serious", Aurica Rusnac-Jardan said.
The journalist Ion Terguță believes that in this case there must be solidarity. "We will probably have to have a discussion with everyone involved and act organized. As for me, I was sure I was intercepted for a long time because it was impossible to talk on the phone, while my device discharged in just a few hours. This situation lasted for at least two years", said Ion Terguță. According to him, if certain information about certain persons has been collected, those targeted should be notified, while the collected materials should be destroyed in order to avoid potential future blackmailing. In his opinion, this is a delicate matter. Each person should have the certainty that his or her privacy is not infringed upon, while the data collected during the previous intrusion won't be used against them.
