Association
Proposed Law on “Foreign Agents” Submitted to Parliament
On 28th March 2025, the parliamentary faction of the Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova proposed a draft law on the “status of foreign agents in the Republic of Moldova”. According to the news outlet Ziarul de Garda, the MPs behind the proposal argue that its adoption is “imperative” given the “increased involvement of international organisations in the socio-political life of the Republic of Moldova”. However, experts counter that the law could violate the rights to freedom of expression and association.
According to the draft, a “foreign agent” is defined as “any legal or natural person who directly or indirectly receives external funding of at least 50% of total annual income and who carries out activities that influence the political, economic, social or educational life of the Republic of Moldova”. Sanctions would include fines for legal entities and individuals. Civil society has criticised the proposal as an attempt to suppress the sector and hinder Moldova’s EU accession path.
As of April 2025, the draft law had only been debated in the Parliament’s Environment, Climate and Green Transition Committee.
Recognising the Collaboration between NGOs and State Institutions
On 27th February 2025, the Ministry of Justice marked the International Day of Non-Governmental Organisations by highlighting the impact of cooperation between state institutions and the NGO sector. Collaboration has taken various forms, including training, counselling, documentation of institutional memory, and the development of public-private partnership programmes in multiple fields.
Peaceful Assembly
Protest over the Detention of Governor of Gagauzia
On 25th March 2025, the Moldovan authorities detained the governor of the autonomous region of Gagauzia, Evghenia Guțul, who is accused of systematically transporting money into the Republic of Moldova between 2019 and 2022 while serving as secretary of the former Shor Party. External financing of political parties is illegal in Moldova. Following the detention, several protests took place in Comrat calling for Guțul’s release. Demonstrators argued that the authorities’ actions were politically motivated attempts to undermine and intimidate local leadership in the autonomous region.
Anti-government Protests
On 12th March, supporters of Moldova’s Shor Party, under the broader “People’s Movement” banner, held an anti-government protest in central Chișinău, voicing their anger over high energy costs as well as their opposition to any potential military conflict on Moldovan territory. Originally planned in front of Parliament, the rally took place on Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard in the centre of the capital. Tensions escalated about an hour into the protest, when clashes broke out with police at a blocked intersection. Protesters attempted to breach the police cordon but later regrouped to deliver speeches from an improvised stage. Authorities reported that 54 individuals, including 21 minors, were detained for carrying prohibited items or displaying suspicious behaviour.
The protest was marked by additional disruptions, including a counter-protest where activists accused the Shor Party of manipulating demonstrators. Ahead of the rally, two groups—the “People’s Shield” movement and the PACE Party—pulled out, citing concerns over potential provocations. Law enforcement had warned of possible mass disorder. Concurrently, Chișinău experienced four bomb threats, including a false alert at the international airport, which led to evacuations and temporary suspension of operations. Moldovan authorities regarded the alerts as part of broader destabilisation efforts, and a criminal case was opened in connection with the airport incident in particular.
Expression
Media NGOs Concerned over Potential Revocation of Licenses
Six media organisations in Moldova have expressed concern over the mechanism for the permanent or temporary revocation of licences for some TV and radio stations. According to them, the procedures are incompatible with international standards and lack transparency. The organisations submitted an appeal after the Council for Strategic Investments decided to temporarily suspend the licence of TVC21. They argue that the suspension constitutes interference with the right to freedom of expression.
De facto Authorities in Tiraspol Adopt new measures against journalists
Moldovan CSO Promo-LEX Association reported that on 31st March 2025, the separatist authorities in Tiraspol registered a draft law in the legislature of the internationally unrecognised Transnistrian state, known as the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, to introduce sanctions against foreign journalists, including those from the right bank of the Dniester, which remains under the control of Moldovan authorities. The draft would penalise those conducting journalism in Transnistria without prior accreditation, with fines for individuals. Freelance journalists as well as those employed by media institutions would be affected.
The Tiraspol regime justifies this initiative with the need to “combat disinformation” and “prevent destructive opinions” towards the region. The explanatory note to the draft law emphasises that unaccredited journalists would pursue foreign interests and spread information that undermines the population's trust in the Transnistrian de facto authorities.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort to restrict dissent. Promo-LEX has reported that information platforms reflecting realities in Transnistria or critically analysing its leadership are classified as “hostile non-commercial organisations” by the Ministry of Security under the separatist administration. Residents of the region who contribute to producing such materials could face charges of treason, with possible imprisonment of 12 to 20 years.
Attacks on Media Workers Increased in 2024
On 2nd April 2025, the Independent Press Association (API) of Moldova announced the results of its collaboration with the international Justice for Journalists Foundation, which produced a report on documented attacks on journalists in 2024.
According to the report, attacks on journalists increased by about 50% compared to 2023. Most incidents occurred during the presidential election campaign and the referendum on EU integration in October 2024. During the campaign, several Moldovan newsrooms published investigations into the election and foreign influence on the vote. Journalists faced pressure from political leaders and interest groups. The report documented 66 attacks or threats against media professionals, including journalists and editors—23 more than in the previous year. These included intimidation, political pressure, cyber-attacks, defamation, slander, threats of violence and death, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on media platforms.