Attacks on journalists in Moldova are at an eight-year high
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova experienced a record-breaking year for press freedom. According to the annual report by the Independent Press Association (IPA), there were 97 reported attacks on journalists last year, marking the highest number recorded since official monitoring began in 2017. Additionally, the level of aggression has escalated, with 31 more threats reported compared to 2024.
The API study reveals that the most common forms of pressure occur in the digital realm or through non-physical means.
A total of 77 incidents were recorded, including harassment, intimidation, defamation, cyberattacks, account hacking or damage, and the confiscation of work equipment.
Physical violence continues to pose a significant threat.
Journalists faced 12 physical attacks and direct threats to their lives and health, primarily while covering protests and demonstrations. Additionally, there were eight reported cases of attacks through legal or economic means, known as SLAPP lawsuits, which are employed to intimidate those who participate in public discourse.
The authors of the report raise concerns about the conduct of the separatist authorities in the Transnistrian region and the peacekeeping forces. They have noted an increase in illegal interrogations, confiscation of equipment, and refusals of accreditation.
The electoral period has created a particularly dangerous environment for journalists. Approximately a quarter of all reported intimidation incidents occurred in August and September 2025, during the parliamentary election campaign. Many of these incidents took place at demonstrations organized by parties and groups associated with Ilan Shor, the convicted oligarch who has since fled to Moscow.
In most cases, journalists faced attacks from individuals who were not authorities, accounting for 53 incidents. Additionally, there were 29 cases in which the aggressors were unidentified, including individuals using fake social media profiles.
Furthermore, eight attacks and attempts to intimidate journalists were carried out by representatives of the authorities themselves, primarily at the regional level in the Gagauz autonomy.
In 2025, journalists from 32 different media organizations were targeted.
Main targets:
- Ziarul de Garda: 12 incidents
- TV8: 12 attacks
- Nokta.md portal from Gagauzia: 10 attacks
