Macedonia’s Public Information Law is a Backwards Step


Skopje/Brussels 23 February 2001: The International Crisis Group (ICG) strongly urges the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to amend the Public Information Law that it has submitted to parliament. “In its current form,” Gareth Evans, President of ICG, said, “the draft law would reverse many of the gains Macedonia has made towards building a strong and vibrant civil society.”

The proposed law contains highly restrictive provisions that would place unnecessary and unwarranted restrictions on freedom of expression. It would grant the government tremendous power to restrict information, potentially prohibit access to and timely publication of official information, and dictate mandatory dissemination of certain types of government announcements. It would overrule safeguards that protect journalists’ confidential sources, impose severe registration and reporting requirements; and place unreasonable constraints on foreign media.

The draft legislation puts the livelihood and ability of journalists, editors, and producers to work without censorship at risk because it would subject them to criminal liability for failing to comply with its full provisions. Editors-in-chief, in particular, would be vulnerable because they would be held responsible for the complete accuracy of articles and full compliance with registration and reporting requirements.

Macedonia rightly consulted media experts from organisations such as the Council of Europe, the Open Society Institute, and the European Association of Journalists. Unfortunately, none of the recommendations made by the international advisors can be found in the text.

Freedom of expression and the right to work in an uncensored environment without onerous government restrictions are vital components of a just Public Information Law. The current draft falls short of international standards.

ICG recommends a thorough public debate on this draft law. The media and the citizens of Macedonia deserve a better law.