Tiraspol Times & Weekly Review - news

Journalistic freedom: Tiraspol Times staff weighing options after Moldovan gag law

Karen Ryan — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:50:39 -0500

In the aftermath of a sweeping ban of "pro-separatist" media, journalists at The Tiraspol Times are weighing their options and seeking legal advice. On 5 June 2008, Moldova outlawed newspapers whose articles can be interpreted as positive coverage of Transdniestria. Moldova's legal authority over Transdniestria is in doubt but the country can enforce its laws internationally.

Moldova outlaws Tiraspol Times; others

Karen Ryan — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:51:51 -0500

Moldova's Parliament has passed a sweeping law banning newspapers which "instigate territorial separatism". The ban applies to The Tiraspol Times and a number of other publications. Journalists can now be prosecuted for merely reporting the views of politicians and community leaders who are in favor of Transdniestria's independence.

Transdniestria: Free market reforms cut red tape for small businesses

Times staff — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:41:49 -0500

The pace of economic reform is speeding up in Pridnestrovie with measures to boost local manufacturing and small businesses. Registration time for new firms is cut in half. New companies are also given a three year tax free "no tax holiday."

Moldova on human trafficking blacklist due to government complicity

Karen Ryan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:02:28 -0500

Government complicity is the main reason why Moldova for the first time has been put on the human trafficking blacklist. Moldova is the only European country on the worst-offenders list, revealed on Wednesday by the American government. Nations on the list could face sanctions, including the withholding of some aid by the United States.

Romania's former Foreign Minister says Moldova should "decouple" from Trans-Dniester

Times staff — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:01:20 -0500

A former Foreign Minister of Romania says that Moldova ought to "decouple" itself from Transdniestria. Adrian Severin says it is the only way for Moldova to focus on its European aspirations. He also sees no future in fighting for unity of Moldova and Transdniestria "within borders imposed by Stalin."

No more taboos: Tiraspol celebrates birthday of city's own Mikhail Larionov

Marius Oroveanu — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:17:17 -0500

Tiraspol is celebrating its famous artist Mikhail Larionov, born in the city on June 3rd some 127 years ago. Larionov's avant-garde paintings were taboo during the existence of the Soviet Union. However, since declaring independence Pridnestrovie has honored its native son with postage stamps and commemorative silver coins.

To Transnistria's plan of peace, Moldova responds with plan of war

Karen Ryan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:37:37 -0500

Moldova has passed a national security concept in which Transdniestria is defined as Moldova's main threat. The new law comes a month after Transdniestria proposed a treaty of friendship and co-operation, which Moldova ignored. Moldova already failed in an earlier 1992 attempt to invade and conquer the 'de facto' independent state.

Graduate of Tiraspol "star factory" heads for top spot in European football

Karen Ryan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:44:19 -0500

A former FC Sheriff Tiraspol player is now about to become a household name for football fans all over Europe. Razak Omotoyossi was discovered by FC Sheriff Tiraspol who brought him to Europe and groomed him for the big time. After finishing as last year's top scorer in the Swedish league, The Times of London predicts he is now ready for even bigger goals.

Journalists cry out for help as free press is silenced in Moldova

Times staff — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:02:33 -0500

The Moldovan Journalists Union warns that a free press cannot exist in Moldova's conditions of corruption and fear. The situation has gotten increasingly worse since 2004, the leader of Moldova's journalists says. Meanwhile, openness and a growth in the independent press has improved the free media climate in next-door Transdniestria.

Moldova crackdown on press freedom brings international criticism

Times staff — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:51:43 -0500

The world's leading press freedom group is publicly expressing grave concern about government harassment of Moldova's independent news media. Reporters Without Borders has documented how an institutionalized harassment of news media is currently underway in Moldova. The country's state media serve the president’s reelection bid, while independent journalists are silenced.