Moldova revokes licenses of 6 TV channels for disinformation about Russian war in Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Nicu Popescu reported on Twitter.

"In a new step countering hybrid interference, Moldova’s emergency situations commission has temporarily revoked the licenses of 6 TV channels for spreading disinformation about events in the country & Russia’s war in Ukraine. We’re determined to protect our democracy from lies," he tweeted.

TV6, Orhei TV, Primul in Moldova, Accent TV, NTV Moldova and RTR Moldova are among the channels whose licenses have been revoked.

President Maia Sandu stated that protection of national information space is an important step to prevent destabilization attempts launched by persons under international sanctions.

The pro-Russian Party of Socialists of Moldova called the relevant decision of the National Commission for Emergency Situations illegal. Party is going to challenge it in court.

"Absolutely unmotivated, grossly violating international norms and legislation of Moldova, Maia Sandu's regime is cleaning up mass media in our country and establishing total political censorship in the interests of the ruling party," Moldovan socialists said.

They called on the international community "not to ignore such obvious violations of legal and democratic norms" and demanded resignation of Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița.