The license of the television station TVC21 was suspended. The Council for the Promotion of Investment Projects of National Importance decided to suspend the permissive documents of the company JSC "Cotidian", the owner of TVC21. The minutes of the Council’s meeting were published on March 27 on the Government's website, IPN reports.
"Following the examination of the documents and additional information presented by JSC "Cotidian", it was found that they were not presented in full and were not supported by conclusive information", read the minutes.
Thus, it was decided "to refuse the pre-approval of investments in areas of importance for state security, with the suspension of permissive documents for television broadcasts/audiovisual services," says the document.
The Government’s spokesman Daniel Vodă said that "this measure is not related to the editorial content, broadcasts or opinions expressed by journalists or guests".
He noted that "an administrative problem, which is related to the company's shareholders, who own the TV channel" was identified and "more transparency was requested regarding the ownership structure, an aspect that is in the Council's focus." “If the station cooperates with the Board and provides the required information about shareholders within 60 days, the situation can be clarified and TVC21 will resume its activity as normal," added the spokesman.
The administration of TVC21 channel described the decision to suspend the license as unfounded. Wichita Ramenschii said that "TVC21's financial reports were presented, the editorial staff has not benefited from external projects or grants and that, for 28 years, the channel has demonstrated that independent journalism is possible in Moldova. So, it is not clear for whom TVC 21 TV station is a danger."
The decision sparked negative reactions in the public space and among opposition parties.
The Party of Socialists expressed its indignation at the Council's decision and called it anti-democratic, aimed at "suppressing freedom of expression and pluralism of opinions". The closure of TVC 21 channel for a period of 60 days is a flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of democracy, an attempt to silence independent voices and a new step towards establishing total control over the information space," reads the PSRM’s press release.
The "Respect Moldova Movement" noted that "the closure of another television station causes concern about the state of democracy and doubts about the sincerity of the authorities in the process of ensuring press freedom and media pluralism". "Freedom of the press is not a favor granted by the authorities, but a fundamental right of society," commented the party's leader Marian Lupu.
"Alternative" political bloc member Alexandr Stoianoglo also criticized the decision to suspend the license of TVC21: "The state does not become safer when it closes televisions. It only becomes quieter, more fearful, weaker because a government that closes televisions does not defend itself, but compromises itself," said Alexandru Stoianoglo.
