Growing threats against journalists
A total of 105 attacks on journalists were officially recorded in 2025 in Moldova by the Association of Independent Press: a 39% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number since 2017. Yet, only nine cases proceeded to court.
Rather than isolated incidents, these figures reflect emerging patterns undermining press freedom. Journalists, especially women covering public interest issues, face increasing digital harassment, intimidation and public discrediting.
Alina Radu, Moldovan investigative journalist, pointed out the challenges raised by gaps in investigations and accountability for these attacks:
It is not about protecting only one journalist. It is about recognizing that our democracy depends on journalists who are shining a light on what does not work, and this deserves protection.
Alina Radu
A shared responsibility across institutions
As Moldova is embarking upon numerous reforms to strengthen media freedom, national authorities reaffirmed that ensuring journalists’ safety requires coordinated action across institutions.
Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sports and Media emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach:
Today we can launch an important message that enhancing information integrity and protection of journalists can only be achieved with a holistic approach, bringing together the different sides of society. Legislation is an important step, but enforcement is crucial.
Liliana Nicolaescu-Onofrei
Representing the Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Secretary Alexandru Bejan reaffirmed the key role of law enforcement in conducting effective investigations into attacks against journalists, and outlined priorities to improve the process: monitoring attacks, including digital ones; and increasing collaboration with prosecutors. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the press:
Given the mandate of our ministry and the role of the police, we need an open dialogue with media. Because when media can work safely, citizens can better understand our work as institutions.
Alexandru Bejan
Based on this dialogue, the UNESCO project “Building Information Integrity to Prevent Conflict in Moldova”, implemented jointly with the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT), will accompany national stakeholders in advancing reforms, cooperation mechanisms and preventive measures that recognize journalists’ safety as fundamental to democratic resilience.
UNESCO brings longstanding experience in strengthening capacity of police on freedom of expression and safety of journalists and facilitating dialogue between public institutions and the media. We look forward to supporting Moldovan partners under this project, because these relationships have a real effect on transparency of institutions and on journalists’ protection.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/rising-attacks-against-journalists-moldova-prompt-stronger-response-protect-information-integrity?hub=701
