Promo-LEX Association expresses its concern on the regress with the assurance of freedom of press and opinion in the Transnistrian region. There is literally no free press, and plurality of opinions is sanctioned by the secessionist authorities. The access to alternative sources of information is restricted by the security service.
During 2014-2015 the pressures on journalists and activists from the Transnistrian region have intensified.Ignoring international norms, the Tiraspol administration is still violating people’s right to freedom of expression. Several cases of intimidation of activists and protesters participating in peaceful demonstrations from the region have been registered. Moreover, journalist Serghei Ilcenco was arrested by security forces from Tiraspol and accused of extremism. Currently, the victim is detained in inhuman conditions, deprived of freedom arbitrarily in the absence of clear and substantiated accusations.
In the context of World Press Freedom Day, we urge:
Constitutional Authorities and International Bodies:
- To demand that the Tiraspol administration respects the freedom of expression in the Transnistrian region.
- To demand that the Tiraspol administration provides guarantees in ensuring freedom of press and protection of independent journalists;
- To demand that Tiraspol administration releases immediately and unconditionally journalist Serghei Ilcenco, who is being detained illegally in Penitentiary No 3 of Tiraspol.
The appeal was made by Promo-LEX Association during the Press Freedom Days, held during 4-8 May 2015 by media organizations of the Republic of Moldova.
The list remains to be open for all the organizations that want to undersign this APPEAL. To undersign, send an e-mail to[email protected]
Thank you for participating.