Lawyer Natalia Bairam, who represents the interests of closed TV channels, including Channel 5, says that, step by step, censorship is being established in the Republic of Moldova. She described the recent decision by the Council for the Promotion of Investment Projects of National Importance as abusive and illegal. She also said that they will use all ways to obtain justice through national courts and, if this is not achieved, they will go to the European Court of Human Rights.
In a press conference hosted by IPN, Natalia Bairam said that for two years by now, the people in Moldova have had the misfortune to no longer be able to think and express themselves freely. It all started on December 16, 2022, when the Commission for Emergency Situations (CES) made the decision to suspend the license of six TV stations. In her opinion, this decision was not based on any factual or legal basis, and the authorities’ explanations aroused only indignation.
The lawyer argued that as an alleged misconduct or violation in a state governed by the rule of law can be confirmed in court, they filed an application in this regard. However, there was a ping-pong between courts which declined jurisdiction in order to delay the trying of the case. Finally, multiple hearings followed, at which the CES representative didn’t even show up.
Natalia Bairam noted that, ultimately, just a few days before the lifting of the state of emergency, the court pronounced its decision, ruling that their claim was groundless. The court didn’t respond to applicants’ arguments that the CES didn’t have the power to suspend licenses. “On October 30, the same CES issued a supplement to the previous decision and suspended the license of six other TV stations. The same scenario, the same lack of arguments, the same procedural violation. Again we sue and again ping-pong between courts,” stated the lawyer.
According to her, in order to continue the practice of establishing censorship, just a few days before the lifting of the state of emergency, Parliament made non-transparent legislative changes as a result of which a council was created with the basic task of preliminarily determining investments in strategic areas. However, the council’s decisions to suspend the permissive documents, namely the licenses of TV stations, are illegal. “On December 27, 2023, immediately after those amendments to the law were adopted, this council managed to close 12 TV stations and, subsequently, on March 20, another TV station, Channel 5, and a radio station,” explained Natalia Bairam.
“The aforementioned, starting with the state of emergency and the Commission for Emergency Situations and continuing with these amendments made to the law overnight, which somehow allow them to intervene and stop the legal activity of companies and journalists, represent nothing but a well-determined plan, which aims to establish censorship and ban the right to free expression, of pluralism of ideas and opinions,” noted the lawyer.
According to her, the actions to intentionally hinder the work of the media and journalists or to intimidate for criticism are actions that fall under the Criminal Code and are punishable as such. “Today we are more determined than ever to advocate the freedom of expression, the right of individuals to access information and pluralism of opinions. We will go through all national ways and will reach the European Court of Human Rights to obtain justice,” said Natalia Bairam.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider themselves targeted in the news made from the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
