(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 17 July 1998, on 15 July 1998, the Bulgarian Constitutional Court ruled that the articles 146, 147, 148, punishing “libel” and “insult” against state authority, do not contradict the Constitution and do therefore not have to be rescinded. The decision was taken with the majority […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to information made available by RSF on 17 July 1998,
on 15 July 1998, the Bulgarian Constitutional Court ruled that the articles
146, 147, 148, punishing “libel” and “insult” against state authority, do
not contradict the Constitution and do therefore not have to be rescinded.
The decision was taken with the majority of 11 votes against one. On 30
April 1998, 55 members of Parliament asked the constitutional Court to
declare these articles of the criminal code anti-constitutional.
**Updates IFEX alert of 28 May 1998**
Bulgarian journalists can still be jailed for six months for “libel” or
insulting a state representative.
Recommended Action
ION:Send appeals to authorities:
the
criminal code with Bulgaria’s international commitment to protect press
freedom
Appeals To
Mr. Petar Stoyanov
President
Sofia
Bulgaria
Fax: +359 2767 32 26
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
