Moscow qualifies as a "hostile step" the decision of the SIS to block Russian websites and TV channelss. MAEIE: "We are determined to defend ourselves against fake news"
Russian diplomacy requested the Moldovan authorities to unblock Russian websites and television stations, calling the decision to block them a "hostile step". In reply, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MAEIE) from Chisinau, Igor Zaharov, mentioned that the authorities of the Republic of Moldova will continue to protect citizens from fake news and manipulation.
Russia qualified as "a hostile step and an example of Chisinau's irrational anti-Russian official policy" the decision of the Republic of Moldova to block more than 20 Russian-language portals broadcasting in our country. The spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zaharova, qualified the decision as a serious violation by the Moldovan authorities of the freedom of expression and the rights of its citizens to information in Russian.
It is important for Russia to understand that the authorities in Chisinau will not tolerate propagandistic news and manipulation in the media space of the Republic of Moldova, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration in Chisinau, Igor Zaharov, commented for our radio station.
"It seems to me that some individuals are worried about the prospect of a stronger and more confident Moldova pursuing its national interests. We, in the Republic of Moldova, are determined to defend ourselves against fake news, manipulation, misinformation and war propaganda, these aspects are not tolerated in our country. It is important that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the voice of Maria Zakharova, understands this, and I am very sorry that this has not yet been understood. I also mention that the independent media in Moldova offers entertainment programs and news bulletins in Russian, which makes any other comment from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs be perceived as manipulation", said Igor Zaharov.
We remind you that yesterday the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova decided to block access to 22 news portals, some of which belong to the largest Russian television channels. According to SIS, these sources are used in the information war against the Republic of Moldova.
We remind that previously five websites of the official Russian agency Sputnik were blocked for issuing "false information", and in September the head of Sputnik Moldova, Vitali Denisov, was expelled from our country.
Also, last December, the Commission for Emergency Situations suspended the activity of six Russian television stations to protect its citizens from propaganda and disinformation from the Kremlin.
