The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), calls on Moldova’s authorities to bring to justice the individuals who severely beat cameraman Vladmir Vivaci. On 5 May 2012, the camera operator working for the Omega news agency was beaten by four men who stepped out of a car. No valuables were taken from him. Vivaci was brought to the hospital with multiple head and internal injuries.

Omega, which is broadly considered as a supporter of views close to Moldova’s opposition parties, recently reported on illegal activities involving public figures, according to information available to SEEMO.

Several sources informed SEEMO that police did not rush to investigate the case. Although the accident happened on Saturday evening, police authorities did not react until Monday, and even demanded that Vivaci, currently hospitalized, should go in person to the police station to present charges.

“I call on Moldova’s authorities and the police to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this brutal attack. It cannot go unpunished,” said Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General.