The Independent Journalism Center, along with the undersigned organizations, condemns the registration of the draft law on the “status of foreign agents” in Parliament. We consider the actions of the six authors, deputies from the Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BCS), a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and press freedom.
On March 28, BCS Communist MPs Constantin Starîș, Inga Sibova, Nicolai Rusol, Valeriu Muduc, Vladimir Voronin, and Diana Caraman submitted a draft law aimed at regulating “foreign agents in the Republic of Moldova,” including the introduction of severe sanctions for failing to register in a database of “foreign agents.”
We view this initiative as an attack on civil society, independent media, and citizens’ right to accurate information. It is undeniable that this draft law, inspired by repressive legislation promoted by autocratic regimes such as Russia, is incompatible with the rule of law and the values of a democratic society. The proposed text sets an arbitrary threshold of 50% foreign funding for designating an entity as a “foreign agent,” forcing organizations to comply with excessive bureaucratic requirements, self-declare as entities promoting “foreign influence,” and face restrictions that would limit their ability to operate. Moreover, the proposed sanctions—including freezing bank accounts, imposing exorbitant fines, and even dissolving organizations that refuse to register—are repressive measures reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
While we acknowledge that, given the current parliamentary context, this legislative initiative is unlikely to be approved by the majority, we emphasize that the mere introduction of this draft law is an alarming signal and a reprehensible act. We call on BCS parliamentarians to immediately withdraw this initiative and to refrain from promoting harmful projects that threaten press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Signatory organizations:
- Independent Journalism Center
- Association of Electronic Press
- “Media-Guard” Association
- Press Freedom Committee
- Association of Environmental and Ecological Tourism Journalists
- “Access-Info” Center
- Investigative Journalism Center
