Vice Speaker Tsilosani: Moldova closed media outlets and abolished parties without explanation, marking anti-democratic actions

“Perhaps, Moldova’s actions are a continuation of the decision taken by the European Parliament. The European Union, supposedly the cradle of democracy, permits Moldova to make such unjust decisions,” said Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, Nino Tsilosani.

She emphasised that Moldova is characterised by its anti-democratic conduct.

“Moldova has shut down around twelve local media outlets and abolished political parties without any constitutional justification. Unfortunately, a candidate country is making such decisions. As a candidate nation, Moldova should uphold media standards. It appears that Moldova’s actions are a continuation of the European Parliament’s decision, even though principles of democracy and media freedom should be most rigorously upheld in such circumstances. Yet, the European Union, often regarded as the very cradle of democracy, permits Moldova to proceed with these unfair measures.

Moldova’s conduct appears to be part of a broader pattern of inability to make independent decisions. It’s part of a wider effort to misinform the public. When any channel interferes with this scheme, the easiest tactic is to label it as Russian, which is a strategy that some suggest was developed in America, with Donald Trump even addressing this issue. An investigation is now underway. Hopefully, in the case of the European Union and Moldova, the truth will soon come to light, revealing that this was not a random decision but the most brutal form of censorship,” Tsilosani stated.

For context, the European Parliament suspended the accreditation of the TV channels Imedi, Rustavi 2, and PosTV for one year. Moldova, on its part, refused to accredit Imedi, Rustavi 2, and PosTV for an event organised under the auspices of the Council of Europe.