Remark on the possible intentions of media representatives to visit the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

With regard to the interest shown by media representatives from abroad, as well as from the right bank of the Nistru River towards the Russian Federation elections organized in the Transnistrian region and the intention to travel to the region in order to carry out on-site journalistic reports, we draw attention to several risks to which they may be exposed in the territory temporarily not controlled by the constitutional authorities.

We remind that Tiraspol restricts such trips, by requesting „accreditation” from structures not recognized by Moldovan and international authorities. At the same time, journalists entering the region without „accreditation” can become the object of detention, confiscation of equipment, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and decisions on the alleged undesirability of their stay within the perimeter of the region.

For objective reasons, the law enforcement bodies of the Republic of Moldova cannot provide guarantees of security and keeping public order in the region, including ensuring the unimpeded exercise of the professional rights of journalists, human rights promoters and civil servants performing their official duties.

We also highlight the fact that the so-called „accreditation” procedures introduced by Tiraspol contradict the legislation of the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, in order to avoid problems or crisis situations, the Bureau for Reintegration Policies recommends that local and international journalists refrain from traveling to the Transnistrian region.

The problem of eliminating all artificial obstacles to free movement in the eastern districts of the country and the exercise of the right to free expression will continue to be kept on the agenda of all dialogue formats regarding the Transnistrian settlement, until its final solution.