Moldova expels and bans entry of a Russian journalist

The "vesti.ru" website reported on January 21 that Moldova had blacklisted Alexander Balitsky, a correspondent for the All-Russian Television and Radio Network (VGTRK), and banned him from entering the Southeast European country for five years.

Moldovan police deployed outside the Parliament building to prevent radical protesters. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN)

Previously, reporter Balitsky said he and his colleagues were expelled from the capital Chisinau (Moldova), a move that shows that Chisinau authorities want to block information sources or at least want to control information.

Responding to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Moldova's decision, saying that this action violates international law on human rights and freedom of speech.

"This decision further confirms the fact that Chisinau is violating international law on human rights, freedom of expression and the basic principles of a democratic society. However, Moldova is not alone. We deeply regret that similar actions by the authorities of Eastern European countries are taking place with alarming regularity," she said.

In addition to reporter Balitsky, Lifenews reporter Kirill Olkov and representatives of Russia's Channel One television channel were also denied entry into the country by Moldovan authorities./.

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