§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether either the Council of Europe or the European Court of Human Rights have formally registered complaints by journalists and others against restrictions on freedom of expression by the Government of Moldova; and what consideration or procedures are pending. [HL3520]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe strike committee of the employees of the state company Teleradio-Moldova lodged an application on 25 March at the European Court of Human Rights complaining of censorship under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The Council of Europe is engaged in a dialogue with Moldova on the fulfilment of its accession obligations, including freedom of expression. On 4 February the Secretary General acted under Article 52 of the ECHR to request an explanation from Moldova on how its domestic laws ensure effective implementation of the convention, particularly with regard to Articles 9, 10 and 11 on freedom of thought, expression and association. Moldova's reply, delivered on 25 February, is currently under consideration.
In addition, under the Committee of Ministers' thematic monitoring procedure, the subject of freedom of expression and information in Moldova and all other member states will be discussed in camera during April. The Secretary General also intends to send a secretariat mission to Moldova in mid-April.
87WA
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What has been the response of the Government of Moldova to the recent resolution of the European Parliament calling on Moldova to respect human rights and democratic processes. [HL3521]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government of Moldova did not issue an official response to the European Parliament's resolution on the human rights situation in Moldova.