Draft amendments to anti-extremism law in Moldova could endanger freedom of expression on Internet, warns OSCE Representative

VIENNA, 2 September 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that draft amendments to an anti-extremism law in Moldova could pose a threat to freedom of expression on the Internet.

The amendments to the Law on Countering Extremist Activities, to be debated in the Parliament, would give the Information and Security Service of Moldova the power to order Internet service providers to temporarily block access to online content of an extremist nature.

“It is worrying that an administrative law enforcement body could hold the discretionary power to block access to online content without just cause,” Mijatović said. “I call on the Moldovan authorities to eliminate these provisions as they could restrict access to Internet content without proper judicial procedures and oversight”.

The draft amendments were approved in a first reading in July. They will be debated again when the Parliament resumes after the summer recess.

The Representative said her office stands ready to assist the authorities in improving the legislation.  

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.