On 18 July 1996, the Bulgarian Parliament approved by 125 votes out of 240 a bill laying down regulations for the operation of a new National Radio and Television Council. The bill states that programmes broadcast must be in accordance with “the constitutional order, state security, the interests of defence and shared moral values.” The […]
On 18 July 1996, the Bulgarian Parliament approved by 125 votes
out of 240 a bill laying down regulations for the operation of a
new National Radio and Television Council. The bill states that
programmes broadcast must be in accordance with “the
constitutional order, state security, the interests of defence
and shared moral values.” The council, which will be responsible
for monitoring broadcasters and appointing the directors of state
radio and television, will allocate frequencies to both
state-owned and private radio and television stations and will
have the power to impose fines, confiscate assets and suspend
broadcasts for a maximum period of six months.
President Zhelev Zhelyu has publicly criticised the bill, saying
in particular that it restricts “journalists’ freedom to express
their opinions.” On 1 August, he vetoed the bill and sent it back
to Parliament for further discussion. He alleges that the bill
passed on 18 July does not respect the Constitution.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
in this bill
guarantee the political independence of radio and television
journalists the next time the bill comes up for debate
Appeals To
Blagovest Sendov
Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria
Fax : +3 592 803 511
the Bulgarian diplomatic representative to your country
(in Canada)
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria
325 Stewart Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6K5 Canada
Fax: +1 613 789 3524
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
