The Coalition For Women In Journalism vehemently condemns the attack on the young journalist who just started her career

Location: Moldova, Chisinau
Date: October 24, 2023

Former Prime Minister insults Măriuța Nistor, referring to the reporter as a “media escort” who works in a “brothel,” and accuses her of bias. Chicu, who led Moldova in 2019 and is known for his pro-Russian views, has a history of attacking the press, including Nistor’s news outlet Ziarului de Gardă (ZdG). Such behavior towards journalists is not uncommon in Moldova, with politicians engaging in intimidation tactics and their followers sometimes harassing reporters online. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Nistor and worries about the broader issue of hostility towards the press. We call on Ion Chicu to stop smearing the press and to apologize immediately.

On October 24, over the phone, the leader of the Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova (PDCM) and former Prime Minister Ion Chicu berated journalist Măriuța Nistor. In response to a question asked by the Ziarului de Gardă (ZdG) reporter, Chicu called her and her colleagues “media escorts” not journalists, and labeled her outlet a “brothel.”

“He is the first to insult me since I started working, and the first insult is never forgotten,” the young journalist who just started her career says about the incident. “Years from now, maybe I'll smile sincerely, but now, I smile ironically.”

Moldovan politicians often insult and intimidate journalists, Reporters Without Borders says. 

In some cases, their followers engage in online harassment directed at reporters they perceive as critical of their beliefs.

Ion Chicu was the Prime Minister of Moldova in 2019 before his resignation in 2020. He is known for his pro-Russian views and has frequently attacked members of the press. He has publicly accused critical media outlets of promoting inappropriate information, indirectly suggesting that media owners prioritize money over honest reporting. 

Nistor reported that the politician, Chicu, was upset when she first contacted him about some candidates from his party, PDCM. Chicu countered by claiming Nistor and her publication were biased, alleging rival political entities influenced them. Hoping for a more civil discourse, Nistor later sent Chicu identical questions via text, giving him a second chance to respond more thoughtfully. Yet, Chicu's reply, coming after two hours, retained the same derogatory tone against both Nistor and her media outlet.

The recent verbal assault on journalist Măriuța Nistor by former Prime Minister Ion Chicu is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by media professionals in Moldova. These incidents not only threaten the integrity and safety of individual journalists but also undermine the pillars of a democratic society — freedom of the press and the right to accurate information. The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces the verbal assault on Nistor and her colleagues, demands Chicu stop smearing critical press, and apologizes to Nistor for his derogatory comments.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.