Zakharova: Moldova is clearing the information field from alternative points of view

Moldova uses the methods of “totalitarian censorship” and “cleanses” the information field of the country from any alternative points of view, stated the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, to suspend the licenses for broadcasting of six media outlets by the country’s authorities.

Earlier in the day, the government of Moldova reportedthat the broadcasting of the TV channels “First in Moldova”, RTR Moldova, Accent TV, “NTV-Moldova”, “TV-6” and Orhei TV will be stopped in the country. “The authorities of the Republic of Moldova maintain a course towards the destruction of any form of dissent in the country, using the methods of totalitarian censorship, cleaning the national information space from the last centers of alternative points of view,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by the press service of the Foreign Ministry.

According to her, the country’s authorities, “hiding behind imaginary concern”, deprive the Russian-speaking residents of Moldova of information “in their preferred language”, and journalists – of work. Zakharova stressed that Russia views this decision as “an act of political censorship” and as “a violation of the right to freedom of access to information.” “In the light of the unprecedented consequences of its implementation for the Russian-speaking part of the country’s population, we also qualify it as a cynical infringement of the rights of national minorities. We demand that the relevant international organizations give an adequate assessment of what happened and take all appropriate measures to rectify this unacceptable situation,” the official added.

As reported on the website of the government of Moldova, the license was suspended in the republic “in order to protect the national information space and prevent the spread of false information or attempts to manipulate public opinion.” The decision was also made on the basis of a list of individuals and companies that fell under the sanctions.

After the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, a state of emergency was introduced in Moldova, the authorities restricted the display of Russian programs, the Sputnik Moldova website and other resources were blocked.

On June 2, the Moldovan parliament adopted a law on the protection of the information space, which prohibits the rebroadcasting of news and analytical programs and military films from Russia. Law entered effective at the end of June. It stipulates that at least 50% of television programs must be produced in the European Union or in states that have ratified the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. Suppliers must only broadcast products produced in the United States, Canada, and signatory states, “with the exception of films and entertainment programs that do not contain militaristic content.” The document also introduced the concepts of “information security” and “disinformation”.

On December 16, the Council of the European Union approved the ninth package of sanctions against Russia. Russian TV channels were also subject to restrictions. In particular, the EU approved the withdrawal of broadcasting licenses from NTV/NTV Mir, Rossii 1, REN TV and Channel One. It follows from the EU statement that from this day on, European companies can no longer provide the Russian Federation with services in advertising, market research, public opinion polls, as well as product testing and technical inspection.