The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), today condemned a physical attack against Chisinau-based Jurnal TV channel journalist Victoria Ocara, in Moldova.

On Aug. 5, Ocara was reporting on clashes between two opposing groups of demonstrators in Balti, the second largest city in Moldova, when someone threw a stone that hit her in the head. She was treated on the spot for head injuries and taken to the hospital, but did not spend the night there.

More than 600 police officers were deployed to separate those who marched in favour of Moldova’s reunification with Romania from opponents of such reunification, who came to break up the protest.

The perpetrator of the attack was recorded on a video, identified and detained.

”I hope that the Moldovan authorities bring the attacker to justice,” SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said. “Journalists have a right to work without fear of attack, even in conflict situations.”