The work environment of civil society organizations of Moldova during September 2016 and December 2017 had worsened. The number of orchestrated attacks, the discrediting and denigrating acts against the NGOs increased significantly. This is the finding of 15 NGOs that analyzed the intimidation acts of public persons, functionaries, bloggers and media outlets affiliated to different players, IPN reports.

In a press release, the signatory NGOs said the attacks in the period included mass media articles, public statements and interventions that presented NGOs as organizations that promote the interests of foreign countries or are affiliated to political parties. There were also reported cases of exclusion of NGOs from the process of working out public policies or there were launched legislative initiatives designed to damage their work environment and even to limit their functioning.

The nongovernmental organizations said the goal of the attacks against them is to discourage the NGO sector from actively becoming involved in public affairs or from criticizing the legislative initiatives on the part of the government that endanger democracy. The NGOs warn that the attacks against civil society are not only a danger to society, but also a threat to democracy.

The signatories are: Legal Resources Center, Amnesty International Moldova, Institute for European Politics and Reforms, Center for Politics and Reforms, Center for Health Policies and Studies, Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT, Independent Press Association, Promo-LEX Association, WatchDog.md, Transparency International-Moldova, Institute for Public Policy, Institute for Development and Social Initiative  “Viitorul”, Association for Efficient and Responsible Governance, Foreign Policy Association and International Center “La Strada”.