16. 03. 2013

DISCUSSION ON DRAFT LAW OBSTRUCTED

Belgrade, March 16, 2013 (Politika) - Media and journalists' associations warned yesterday that the public discussion on the Draft Law on Public Information and Media was being seriously obstructed by a number of local public companies for information.

In their joint statement, ANEM, NUNS, NDNV and Local Press said that an intolerant and at moments pogrom-like atmosphere was being created instead of leading a constructive public debate based on arguments.

"Such attitude of certain participants of the public discussion in Nis has resulted in improper verbal attack on one of the OSCE Mission to Serbia officers", said in the statement.

Their aim was most likely to deny the opportunity to media representatives and citizens to improve the text of the draft law and find solutions to shortcomings of the future legislation, said in the statement of the associations through the exchange of expert arguments. The associations condemned the attempt of certain participants to turn the public discussion into a political meeting.