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As Moldova advances its reform agenda, the media plays an essential role in keeping citizens informed and shedding light on how public decisions are made. At the same time, journalists carrying out this watchdog role in an increasingly complex information environment face new and sophisticated threats.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in partnership with UNESCO, is responding with a comprehensive approach: institutionalising police-media dialogue, piloting new guidance to investigate attacks against journalists, and developing new communication skills for officers. Together, these efforts aim to embed safer, more cooperative practices in how police and journalists work together.
Local ownership, multiplied impact: Police-media dialogue led by Moldovan trainers
Building on the first national police-media dialogue held earlier this year, UNESCO, the Ministry and the NGO ADEPT organized regional workshops in the cities of Bălți and Cahul in October 2026. Police officers, journalists and civil society representatives came together to tackle practical exercises, case studies and engage in open discussion.
Freedom of expression is a basic right of a democratic society and we have a direct role in ensuring this very important principle, which applies to both the police and the media.
Stanislav ChiorescuHead of Section, National Inspectorate of Public Security
High ranking police officers trained through the national programme became facilitators, creating opportunities for exchanges and mutual understanding building trust between journalists and law enforcement, both playing a crucial role in disseminating information, particularly in high-pressure situations.
We exchanged contacts, which already produced good results and will help us in the future. Stereotypes have decreased considerably on both sides.
Nicoleta PeticaJournalist at a Cahul–Taraclia news portal
Going beyond dialogue, these regional workshops focused on law enforcement responses to attacks against journalists. Ensuring that such attacks are effectively investigated is key to ending impunity. By practicing the procedures proposed in the inter-institutional guidelines on investigations, currently under development with UNESCO’s support, participants analysed the issue of recurring attacks and provided appropriate responses.
Transparent communication in high-stakes situations
In parallel, a two-day specialised workshop gathered 15 heads of subdivisions and communication officers from the General Police Inspectorate, the General Carabinieri Inspectorate, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor General’s Office. Through exercises, case studies and press conference simulations, participants practiced delivering information that is timely, accurate and credible, while contributing to a shared communication strategy.
As one police officer noted: “We face multiple electoral events and public-order situations that require rapid information sharing. In this context, we need a transparent communication strategy.”
A comprehensive approach to information integrity
Ultimately, information integrity cannot rely on any single actor. UNESCO’s project in Moldova, therefore, takes a whole-of-society approach: empowering people and media to produce and access reliable information. This would foster dialogue between journalists and institutions, and support reforms, including the national Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists.
