“The economic downturn continued, driven by slow growth and high energy prices that undermined the economic well-being of the poor,” the report’s authors said.
The document emphasizes that officials have failed to prosecute perpetrators of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, which instills a sense of impunity in the perpetrators.
Amnesty International states that the authorities have banned the provision of medical abortion services through telemedicine and that they continue to create significant obstacles for Moldova to achieve its climate goals.
In Transnistria, which the report describes as a territory under Russian occupation, the authorities continue to suppress media freedom and have passed a law prohibiting propaganda of so-called “non-traditional sexual relations”.
Regarding media-related issues, the authors state that the authorities continued to suspend the licenses of pro-Russian TV channels without due process. At the same time, pro-European media outlets remain financially vulnerable, many of them affected by USAID funding cuts.
The report also cites allegations by several media organizations that some pro-government politicians attempted to influence editorial decisions by insinuating that unfavorable coverage could jeopardize access to foreign funding.
Amnesty International also criticizes legislation on fines for paid participation in protests, arguing that it is not sufficiently clear and may restrict legitimate practices related to the organization of public events.
The report says the authorities approved the ban on medical abortion after considering an anti-abortion petition signed by 19 individuals without consulting medical professionals or civil society organizations working to protect women’s rights.
It also draws attention to illegal deforestation and emphasizes the need for greater efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“According to the Stockholm Environment Institute, climate disasters cost Moldova 1.3 percent of GDP annually. The institute’s May report notes that although Moldova has committed to reducing emissions by more than 70% by 2030 and has created a national framework aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050, there are a number of serious obstacles on the way to achieving these goals,” the document says.
