Moldova's Media Law Changes Spark Censorship Fears

Council of Europe Condemns Moldovan Media Law Amendments, Raising Censorship Fears Chisinau, Moldova – The Council of Europe has issued a scathing critique of recent amendments to Moldova's audiovisual media services code, warning that they could lead to censorship and undermine media independence. The amendments, proposed by the PAS party, grant significantly expanded powers to the Audiovisual Council, including the authority to impose substantial fines of up to 200,000 lei. Experts have expressed deep concern over the lack of clear mechanisms for appealing these penalties. "Such delegation of powers to a regulatory body raises questions about media independence and the boundaries between regulation and editorial freedom," stated a Council of Europe legal opinion. The opinion further highlighted the risk that these provisions could be used to exert pressure on media organizations to align their reporting with official narratives. The video accompanying this report features excerpts from a news broadcast highlighting the controversy. The amendments have sparked widespread debate about the future of media freedom in Moldova and its implications for the upcoming elections. The Council of Europe has urged Moldovan authorities to reconsider the amendments and ensure that they comply with European standards for media pluralism and freedom of expression.