The case reported by the Investigative Journalism Center of Moldova is extraordinary and clearly demonstrates the violation by any means of freedom of the press and democratic mechanisms that are stifled by obscure interests and purposes. For more than three years, investigative journalists have given dozens of explanations and justifications to some state institutions that instead of ensuring the proper balance between privacy and freedom of expression, act cynically to the detriment of the public interest.
The biased use of legislation on the protection of personal data against the right to information and freedom of expression in cases of public interest is an abuse, and intimidation of the press for cases of corruption and illicit enrichment revealed in journalistic investigations is to be punished according to art. 1801 of the Criminal Code.
Pressure on journalists through criminal proceedings is a serious attack on press freedom and a dangerous precedent for a state’s democracy.