In a letter to President Emil Constantinescu, WAN expressed its grave concern at the intimidation of journalist Adrian Popescu. According to reports, on 8 November 1999 the car of Popescu, correspondent editor of the national newspaper “Adevarul” in Brasov, was set alight outside his home. The attack followed a series of threats made against the […]
In a letter to President Emil Constantinescu, WAN expressed its grave concern at the intimidation of journalist Adrian Popescu.
According to reports, on 8 November 1999 the car of Popescu, correspondent editor of the national newspaper “Adevarul” in Brasov, was set alight outside his home. The attack followed a series of threats made against the journalist, who is also Honorary Diplomat of the Romanian Union of
Professional Journalists. The police have reportedly made no progress in their investigations.
WAN is concerned that the attack on Popescu’s car was related to his activities as a journalist. Popescu has uncovered corruption in the privatisation of state businesses involving politicians, deputies and ministers, that has led to the arrest of the prefect of Brasov county and the incrimination of several political and business figures. He has also actively investigated relations between local gangs and police and justice officials.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– respectfully reminding him that it is the duty of the state to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without fear of attack and intimidation
– noting that such incidents foster a climate of fear that inhibits journalistic investigation and can promote self-censorship
– calling on him to do everything in his power to guarantee the safety of journalists in Romania
– urging him to ensure that an effective and expeditious investigation into the intimidation of Popescu is carried out and that those responsible are brought to justice
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Emil Constantinescu
President of Romania
Cotroceni Palace, Bucharest
Fax: +40 1 411 0372
E-mail: guv@kappa.ro
Please copy appeals to WAN.
