Journalists from Snoop.ro have been threatened by the leader of the Tracia Unită organization, which supports Călin Georgescu.
The „mafia-style” threats came after the journalists published an investigation about Russian influence in the Romanian online space and its connections with media sites, as well as with disinformation on social media, on topics with content also promoted by this presidential candidate, highlights ActiveWatch organization.
SNOOP revealed that Bruno Mihăilescu, the leader of the Tracia Unită organization, claims to have a database with personal information about journalists, that their activities are monitored, and he asks them to stop "while they still have the chance."
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In a conversation with journalist Victor Ilie from Snoop, he said:
- "You don't understand that we have everything about you? Everything! Everything, where you go, what you do, what you eat, everything. We know everything. And where your money comes from, and where you go."
- "... we already know who you are, where your money comes from, we know where you live, what you do. Don't you think there will be repercussions because you spread calumnies about people who truly love their nation and people and there is no way all these troublemakers will escape?"
- "... you don't know what you're getting into, you don't know what you're getting into now, by messing with us."
ActiveWatch expresses concern for the physical safety of Victor Ilie and other journalists and urges the Police to urgently take all necessary measures to protect the integrity of the journalists directly targeted by the threats made by Bruno Mihăilescu, the subject of these journalists' investigations.
"We also demand that the Police immediately initiate criminal proceedings for the direct threats made by Bruno Mihăilescu. The threat is punishable under the Penal Code (Art. 206 para. 1) and carries a prison sentence.
We express concern about the radicalization of public discourse generated by the supporters of candidate Călin Georgescu, which has taken on specific fascist tones in recent days, with the threats aimed at intimidating and silencing those who expose or criticize the actions and statements of C. Georgescu or his supporters.
ActiveWatch believes that the authorities have an obligation to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of journalists, an indispensable condition for press freedom and democracy," ActiveWatch stated.