The level of media freedom in Moldova is considered “partly free” due to the fact that media outlets are poor and therefore controlled by politicians and oligarchs, Cornelia Cozonac (photo), the head of the Center for Investigative Journalism, believes.

The journalist believes that owners or sponsors of many media outlets set certain conditions for their support. According to her, because of this journalists are forced to obey them, and this, in turn, has negative effects on the general level of media freedom.

“There are some obstacles, mostly of financial nature. As media outlets are poor, political parties, their leaders, and oligarchs are trying not only to seize control and the funds of the media, but also to subjugate them completely. Some media representatives agree to this, because they do not see any way out,” Cozonac said.

In addition, the journalist says that, even now, on the eve of a parliamentary elections, one can see that free and independent media outlets are very small in number.

“Free media outlets possess small editorial offices and will not be able to “resist” media outlets funded by oligarchs,” the journalist added.

Cornelia Cozonac is the director of the Center for Investigative Journalism. She has conducted more than 200 investigations related to corruption, abuse of power and violation of human rights over the past five years.

EaP Media Freedom Watch