This written declaration does not reflect the position of the Assembly; only of those members that have signed it. It will not be considered further by the Assembly.
We wish to express our deep concern about the decision to
withdraw the broadcasting licence of the private TV channel NIT
by the Broadcasting Co-ordination Council of the Republic of Moldova,
on 5 April 2012. Such severe punishment of the television channel,
which is well known in Moldova and abroad as an opposition TV channel,
can be seen as a form of political retaliation by the Moldovan authorities
against a dissenting media outlet.
The action taken, moreover, raises major questions about the
Moldovan Broadcasting Co-ordination Council’s independence and impartiality,
and about the functioning of democratic institutions in general.
Media freedom is one of the basic principles of democracy.
Respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights are
key commitments undertaken by the Moldovan authorities in their
dealings with the Council of Europe. We urge the Moldovan authorities
to honour their international and domestic commitments to democracy,
human rights and media freedom.
We demand that the Moldovan authorities put an immediate end
to any arbitrary measures concerning NIT and restore its broadcasting
licence.
