Veaceslav Perju: “Freedom of opinions and their free expression is the basis of European democratic values. So why are they being trampled on with such persistence in Moldova?!”

“Our state has a constitution. Article 32(2) unequivocally states that “every citizen is guaranteed freedom of thought, opinion, and freedom of public expression, by word, image, or in any other possible way.” The same fundamental principles underlie the democratic values ​​of the countries of the European Union, the United States and other major countries of the world, and are fully supported by the recommendations of the UN, the OSCE and other authoritative international structures. So for what reason today, when the authorities of the republic from all tribunes inside the country and abroad talk about the unbending vector of Moldova's movement towards integration into the EU space, the Republic of Moldova is experiencing unprecedented facts related to the oppression of freedom of speech and aggression during the forcible detention of journalists? , - said on his page on social networks the chairman of the Public Council of Moldova (PCM), Vyacheslav Perju, commenting on the fact of the detention of the editor-in-chief of Gagauznews, Nikolai Kostyrkin.

“On Thursday, June 9, it became known about the detention in Chisinau of Nikolai Kostyrkin, a well-known investigative journalist, writer, editor of the popular Gagauznews publication in the country and the author of the Random Correspondent project, in Chisinau. Nikolai is known, in particular, for his steadfast civic position in relation to justice, spiritual and moral values, the importance of strengthening historical Moldovan-Russian ties, the need to preserve the memory of the role and contribution of Moldovan citizens in the victory in the Great Patriotic War,” Perju emphasized.

“I believe that the actions taken by law enforcement agencies and Kostykin’s suspicions of “inciting hatred and calling for military conflicts” are excessive, do not correspond to reality and go beyond the democratic norms and principles of our state,” the social activist noted.

“I am convinced that in the course of a closer analysis of the current case, the power structures of the Republic of Moldova will be convinced of the complete groundlessness of the suspicions against Nikolai Kostyrkin and justice will be restored. These words are based on my personal opinion and reflect the attitude towards the ongoing events on the part of more than 30 authoritative ethno-cultural and non-governmental organizations of the republic, experts in the field of law, leaders of youth organizations, representatives of the clergy and the media that are part of the Public Council of Moldova,” concluded the chairman of the OCM Vyacheslav Perzhu.