Moldova: First police–media dialogue strengthens institutional responses to attacks against journalists

An innovative policy guidance for investigating attacks against media professionals was initiated during the first ever structured dialogue between law enforcement and media organized in the country. This work supports clearer procedures, stronger inter-institutional coordination between police, carabinieri and prosecutors. It also helps translate policy commitments into practical tools through the implementation of the recently adopted Inter-Ministerial Action Plan on Safety of Journalists . These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that the safety of journalists is a key element of information integrity and democratic resilience in Moldova.

At the heart of this effort was a four-day training in Chișinău, organized by UNESCO and the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT), bringing together 40 law enforcement officers (police commissioners, inspectors, chiefs of police), as well as public communication officials, prosecutors and media professionals. Through scenario-based role plays and open dialogue, participants worked through real-life situations, such as protests, crisis events, criminal investigations, to build mutual understanding and develop practical solutions.