EU Ambassador: We Should Avoid Excessive Restriction of Freedom of Expression

The European Union is concerned about media freedom in Moldova after the suspension of broadcasting licenses of a number of TV channels. EU Ambassador to Moldova and head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, Janis Mažeiks, said at the opening of the Mass-Media 2023 forum that the suspension of TV channels’ licenses under the state of emergency continues to raise concerns that could jeopardize the freedom of press and citizens’ trust. The high rule of law and fair trial standards must be honoured, he said. Janis Mažeiks said that in the spirit of openness and freedom of expression, it is critical to address the challenges that could jeopardize press freedom and citizens’ trust following the suspension of some media outlets used to spread false information. “While it is important to protect the public from the damaging effects of misinformation, to protect democratic institutions and processes, it is equally important to protect freedom of expression, and high rule of law and fair trial standards must be upheld in times of crisis. Extraordinary and disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression should be avoided,” the EU Ambassador to Moldova said. He emphasized that it is necessary to create a solid legal framework that ensures accountability while respecting the principles of freedom of expression.