21. 03. 2005

SPS RENEWS CRITICISM AGAINST INDEPENDENT MEDIA

The ANEM notes that the local committee of the Socialist Party of Serbia has pressed charges against Goran Vladkovic, editor-in-chief of the local "OK Radio," for disseminating false information and libel. In addition to both charges, this political party has also filed a claim for compensation of alleged damages in the excessive amount of 24 million dinars (approximately 300.000 euros). The reason for these charges was the information, aired on September 19, 2004, on 2.500 illegally printed ballots for the local election in Vranje. The information, which OK radio received through an independent source, had been backed up by the CESID (Center for Free Elections and Democracy), which also confirmed this information. After being verified, the report was broadcast together with the denial of the chairman of the municipal electoral commission, all in accordance with the highest professional standards. The ANEM also notes that the provisions of the Public Information Act prohibit violation of rights which, even if indirectly, limit free public information. Deeply convinced that the media situation in Serbia has changed since October 5, 2000 and that the courts will not allow themselves to be used as instruments of repression against the media, the ANEM calls on all professional and journalists’ associations and the entire democratic public to act in solidarity with their colleagues from OK Radio. Slobodan Stojsic, Chairman of the ANEM Managing Board