Proposed law threatens press freedom and access to information

The Moldavian Parliament voted last week to adopt a bill on public meetings. If ratified by Parliament in a second round (ratification is highly likely), the law would severely restrict journalists’ access to information. Article 10 of the proposed law, which prohibits “the access and participation of all foreigners in public meetings,” would severely restrict […]

The Moldavian Parliament voted last week to adopt a bill on
public meetings. If ratified by Parliament in a second round
(ratification is highly likely), the law would severely restrict
journalists’ access to information. Article 10 of the proposed
law, which prohibits “the access and participation of all
foreigners in public meetings,” would severely restrict the
international press. A journalist not of Moldavian descent would
have to rely solely on radio and television broadcasts and local
newspapers. Article 8 outlaws public demonstrations near
Parliament, presidential and government buildings. Article 9
would see public meetings held only between the hours of 10:00 to
17:00. Article 11 would require Moldavian journalists to request
permission 30 days in advance to attend a public meeting, while
authorities could grant permission for a meeting to be held as
late as 48 hours prior. The proposed law stipulates that “all
participants in a public meeting must vacate the site immediately
after the meeting.” A journalist wishing to remain to conduct an
interview after an event would thereby risk punishment.

According to RSF, the bill comes in the wake of several recent
measures taken by the government and deemed “discriminatory” by
the Moldavian Journalists’ Union in a 25 May statement addressed
to President Mirtcha Snegur.

Recommended Action

His Excellency Mirtcha Snegur

President

Chisinau, Moldavia (Republic of Moldova)

Fax: +37 32 23 7742