The Association of Independent Journalists of Romania (AZIR) – Romanian Section of AEJ hereby expresses its full support for journalist Brîndușa Armanca in relation to the judicial harassment and legal pressure she has been subjected to, as documented in the materials attached.
AZIR considers that the repeated use of legal actions, in the absence of a legitimate and proportionate public interest, may constitute a form of intimidation and pressure against journalistic activity, with direct consequences for freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. Such practices fall within the category internationally recognised as judicial harassment of journalists (SLAPP-type actions), which pose a serious threat to independent media and democratic debate.
In this context, AZIR respectfully requests that this case be examined within international monitoring and protection mechanisms related to Media Freedom, and that consideration be given to issuing a public alert, given the potential impact of these actions on the safety and independence of journalists in Romania.
We wish to state explicitly that this request does not involve, nor does it seek, any form of financial support. Our appeal is strictly limited to public recognition of the situation, institutional monitoring, and the signalling of the risks such practices pose to the free exercise of journalism.
AZIR reiterates its commitment to defending press freedom, journalistic independence, and the right of journalists to carry out their professional work without intimidation, pressure, or retaliatory legal actions.
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