29. 11. 2013

NOT SOMETHING THE BALKANS CAN BE PROUD OF

Belgrade November 29, 2013 (Dnevnik) - OSCE ON FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA

OSCE representative on freedom of the media Dunja Mijatovic considers media freedom and respect of the right to freedom of expression is not something the Western Balkan countries can be proud of at this moment, but she did commend the Government of Serbia for its readiness to cope with the problem of unresolved murder cases of journalists.

"Many things are done in a positive direction, good laws have been passed, regulatory bodies have been founded, but the situation could not be called positive", she said in the interview to radio "Free Europe" and added that there was an increase in number of charges against journalists. "This month it is important to emphasize something which is a problem in many parts of the world, not just in the OSCE region, and that is impunity of criminal acts against journalists".

She specified that it referred not only to murders, but also to beating up, threatening to journalists and their families. "Problems and numbers in the region are similar, and the problem of independence of public broadcasters and regulatory bodies is also present", she said.

"Economic situation is very difficult for journalist", Dunja Mijatovic said.