Moldova closed over 15 television stations over the course of two or three years.
72% confidence
Internal AffairsMoldova
Omissions
The closures primarily targeted television channels associated with pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor and former politician Vlad Plahotniuc
Many of the closures were temporary suspensions rather than permanent closures
The actions were taken by Moldova's Commission for Exceptional Situations under a state of emergency declared due to Russia's war in Ukraine
The specific total of 15+ channels cannot be fully verified with available sources - at least 13 are documented (6 in December 2022, 7 in May 2024)
The closures occurred in waves between late 2022 and mid-2024, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions
Sources
SecondaryReutersMoldova temporarily banned six television channels (First in Moldova, RTR Moldova, Accent TV, NTV Moldova, TV6, and Orhei TV) for airing incorrect information about the country and Russia's war in Ukraine
SecondaryEuronewsMoldova's Commission for Exceptional Situations suspended six TV channels: First in Moldova, RTR Moldova, Accent TV, NTV Moldova, TV6 and Orhei TV on December 16, 2022
SecondaryEU ReporterMoldova's Investment Commission planned to ban seven additional TV channels and two radio stations in May 2024
SecondaryMyth DetectorOn May 30, 2024, a decision was made in Moldova to close television stations linked with pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor and fugitive Vlad Plahotniuc
SecondaryRadio Free Europe/Radio LibertyMoldova temporarily suspended the broadcast licenses of six television channels for airing incorrect information about the country and Russia's war in Ukraine