In 2019, independent journalists were subjected to intimidation and pressure due to criticism of the government, the state failing to create an effective mechanism to protect them. There were registered several cases of physical and verbal aggression against journalists106, some representatives of the media were restricted from accessing events held in the public space, and their right to exercise the profession was limited. In the context of the incidents witnessed during the events of 7 and 9 June 2019 with the involvement of journalists from several independent media institutions, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, called on the authorities in June last year to ensure safe working conditions for the press107. In a press statement108, the People's Advocate condemned the intimidation actions committed against the journalists from the Center for Journalistic Investigations and asked the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and to hold them accountable according to the legislation in force. In the statement there was also mentioned that the acts of intimidation, harassment of journalists have a discouraging effect on them and lead to the restriction of freedom of the press and freedom of expression. In this context, it should be noted that in 2019, the European Court of Human Rights reiterated in its jurisprudence109 that the effective exercise of freedom of expression does not only depend on the fulfillment of the Sstate's obligation not to intervene, but may require positive protection measures. Positive obligations, in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention, require States to create, while establishing an effective system for the protection of journalists, an environment conducive to the participation of all persons concerned in public debates, enabling them to express their views and ideas without fear, even if they contradict those defended by the official authorities or a significant part of the public opinion, or are even irritating or shocking for the latter ... ”, stated in the ECtHR Judgment Khadija Ismayilova v. Azerbaijan, of 10 January 2019. Legal framework for media In 2019, it was not possible to complete the legal framework on the media with important documents that are to eliminate the shortcomings in the legislation or update some obsolete rules. 106 https://www.europafm.ro/protest-fara-precedent-al-jurnalistilor-din-moldova-video/ http://media-azi.md/ro/stiri/reprezentantul-osce-pentru-libertatea-presei-cerut-autorit%C4%83%C8%9Bilormoldovene-s%C4%83-asigure 107 108 109 http://ombudsman.md/news/declaratie-de-presa/ Khadija Ismayilova v. Azerbaijan, 65286/13 and 57270/15, 10 January 2019; 60