|
|
| |
Legal Action
March 26
All Journalists, LEGAL ACTION
Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar's ruling party pushed an amendment to the Penal Code through Parliament that would punish those who "spread false information abroad damaging Slovakia's interests." The amendment also bans rallies organized to "subvert the country's constitutional system." Those convicted under the so-called anti-subversion law may be punished by a fine or up to two years in prison. On April 9, President Michal Kovac vetoed the bill after the European Union (EU) criticized the amendment for "affecting the freedom of expression." Slovakia is attempting to gain membership into NATO. On Dec. 17, the Parliament passed a new law, which was essentially an amended form of the anti-subversion law. The clause that allowed for imprisonment of individuals who spread false information abroad was omitted from the new law. However, provisions in the law remained vague and opened the door for government suppression of opposition groups and their media outlets. Opposition members of Parliament walked out in protest during the vote. On Dec. 31, President Kovac returned the law to the Parliament for further discussion. He objected to clauses that allowed imprisonment of those who "call for mass riots with the intention of subverting the country's constitutional system, territorial integrity, or defense capability." Kovac also said that the Parliament had violated procedure by drafting the new law before officially rejecting the earlier version.
November 20
Karol Lovas, Radio Twist, LEGAL ACTION
Dusan Velko, TV Markiza, LEGAL ACTION
Ales Kratky, Novy Cas, LEGAL ACTION
Martin Krno, Pravda, LEGAL ACTION
Reporters Lovas of the independent, privately owned Radio Twist; Velko of the privately owned television station TV Markiza; Kratky of the independent daily Novy Cas; and Krno of the independent daily Pravda, were stripped of their accreditation by the Slovak government. The only explanation offered for the move was that the government "did not have a good experience" with the journalists. CPJ appealed to President Michal Kovac and Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar to ensure that the journalists' accreditations are reinstated. The government subsequently reversed its revocation of the credentials.
For more information contact europeweb@cpj.org