Two members of shooting team of regional TV station Studio-L Causeni released; editorial office thanks authorities for involvement

Chisinau, 15 November /MOLDPRES/ - The two members of the shooting team of the regional TV station Studio-L Causeni have been released and are out of any danger. The editorial office informed that that it is ‘’quite grateful for the immediate intervention and involvement to the Promo-LEX Association, Causeni Police Inspectorate, Intelligence and Security Service, Reintegration Policies Bureau, MP from Causeni Artemie Catanoi, all colleagues journalists who were not indifferent and proved solidarity.’’       

Today morning, the team of Studio-L Causeni planned to make a programme in the Farladeni village, dedicated to settlements from the security zone. Following the indications by the navigator, they chose the route through the Gasca settlement. At the control post, their car, where the specialty equipment was found, was stopped by people who presented themselves as employees of the alleged security service from the Transnistrian region.  

Subsequently, technician Octavian Lupacescu and cameraman Ion Moroz were escorted to Bender, where they were imposed a fine of 200 roubles (a bit less than 10 euros). At noon, due to the intervention by authorities, non-governmental organizations and more media publications, the members of the shooting team of Studio-L Causeni returned to the territory checked by Moldova.   

„Now, we are happy that our guys are all right, but we are still to discuss the subject. We will come up with details,’’ Studio-L said shortly after the return of the colleagues.  

According to Promo-LEX, this incident represents not only a glaring infringement  of the fundamental rights of Moldova’s citizens, but also a direct attack on the freedom of the media and the right to informing. ‘’Their groundless detention and carriage represents a serious violation of the national legislation and the international treaties Moldova is party,’’ the organization said.     

Studio-L Causeni is the oldest regional TV station from Moldova, founded in 1993. It is the only licenced media source from south-eastern Moldova.