29. 09. 2006

OSCE MISSION REGRETS NEW CHANGES TO SERBIAN BROADCASTING LAW

"The Mission remains of the opinion that these amendments are flawed, firstly with regard to the procedure, and secondly, with regard to material law," said Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia. "It is not sound legislative practice that matters of such high public importance are legislated under urgent procedure and without prior consultations taking place with relevant authorities, Serbian stakeholders and interested parties or international institutions mandated to provide expert advice in this field." Freedom of the media and the right to an effective legal remedy are protected by the European Convention of Human Rights. Any infringement of these fundamental rights deriving from the amendments would have a negative effect on Serbia's efforts to strengthen the rule of law.