Stronger Legal Protections for Journalists: The New Criminal and Contravention Law Amendments Explained

As of 14 February 2026, significant amendments to the Criminal Code and the Contravention Code entered into force in the Republic of Moldova, with the aim of strengthening the protection of journalists and media activities. These new provisions introduce stricter penalties for acts such as intimidation, assault, or obstruction of journalistic work.

The amendments were adopted in response to persistent challenges faced by the media, including physical attacks, intimidation, political or economic pressure, and cyberattacks. They also form part of a broader effort to align national legislation with European Union standards on media freedom, particularly the principles set out in the European Media Freedom Act.

In the Republic of Moldova, the most common violations of media freedom include restricted access to information or unlawful bans on filming in certain public institutions, attacks on journalists during political protests, and online intimidation campaigns, including cyberattacks.

A key legislative development is the clearer definition of the criminal offence of obstructing media activity. The revised framework explicitly covers actions such as the use of physical violence or threats, damage to journalistic equipment, and online attacks. It also strengthens the protection of journalists’ sources.

In addition to criminal sanctions, the law introduces two new administrative offences: insulting a journalist in the course of their duties, and unjustified interference in the work of a journalist or newsroom when the act does not meet the threshold of a criminal offence.

Overall, the entry into force of these provisions represents an important step toward reinforcing legal safeguards for press freedom in the Republic of Moldova.