prijava
SARAJEVO, March 23 (FENA) - Transparency International BiH today called on the proponents to withdraw the proposed draft of amendments to the Criminal Code of the RS, and noted that the public debate can only be used to withdraw the disputed provisions because any criminalization of defamation represents a big step back in protecting freedom of expression.
They point out that the essentially foreseen changes are controversial and dangerous in many ways, and besides being inconsistent with the existing legal framework, draconian punishments will additionally create an atmosphere of fear of criticizing the government's work.
TI BiH states that the introduction of freedom of speech into the domain of consideration in criminal proceedings will create numerous obstacles for the work of media houses throughout BiH, but it will also affect the freedom of every citizen to speak publicly or express any information and views.
"Provisions that introduce criminal offenses against honor and reputation in the CC of RS cannot be corrected and improved by public discussion, and the only way is to discard them entirely. The pretense of a public debate is solely for the purpose of creating the appearance of the participation of the public in decision-making," TI BiH announced.
(FENA) S. R.
