Moldova restricts access to dozens of Russian media websites
- 25 October, 02:31
Moldova has blocked access to over 20 Russian media websites allegedly waging information against Chisinau.
The relevant decree was passed on October 24 and published in the Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service’s website. Under the decree, 22 Russian websites, including prominent Russia Today, NTV, Ren TV, state media holding VGTRK, among others have been blocked. Moldovan internet providers have been ordered to block the banned sites immediately.
The decision has prompted strong reaction in the Kremlin.
"This is an openly hostile step towards Russia and yet another instance of the mindless anti-Russian policies of the Chisinau authorities," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website. The ministry further accused the Moldovan authorities of “infringing freedom of speech and the rights of its own citizens to have access to information in Russian.”
Following Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine last year, Moldova restricted the airing of Russian-produced news, including analytical and military-related content in its territory, with the exception of entertainment shows and movies. The restriction was enforced in June last year.
Sharing a 454-km-border with Ukraine and being a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova is feared to be next in line to face Russian aggression.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has repeatedly denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused the Kremlin of seeking to stage a coup against the country’s pro-EU government.
