SEEMO Concerned about Media Prevention in Moldova

Vienna, 3 February 2011 - The South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South and East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is concerned about reports that the media has been prevented from reporting on public events in Chisinau, Moldova.

According to information received from the Independent Journalism Center (IJC), on 29 January 2011 the journalist Oleg Brega was prevented from entering the National Theatre in Chisinau where an event was being held on the occasion of the Prosecutors' National Day. On the same day, a hotel hosting a meeting of the Democratic Party of Moldova prevented all media from entering.

On 31 January 2011, news crews from the newspapers Adevarul Moldova, Jurnalul TV and StireaZilei.md were prevented from attending a briefing by the Prime Vice-President of Parliament on the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said: "When journalists are prevented from exercising their function without any clear explanation, an unhealthy atmosphere of governmental pressure is created. This could and should have been avoided."

Vujovic continued: "SEEMO urges the Moldovan authorities to allow journalists to work freely and condemns any restriction on the work and free movement of journalists."

ENDS

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