On 26 March 1996, the coalition government of Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar pushed through Parliament several amendments to Slovakia’s Penal Code. The amendments allow for imprisonment of people who are found to have organized anti-government rallies or spread false information about Slovakia abroad. This new legislation states that those who with “malicious intent circulate false […]
On 26 March 1996, the coalition government of Prime Minister
Vladimir Meciar pushed through Parliament several amendments to
Slovakia’s Penal Code. The amendments allow for imprisonment of
people who are found to have organized anti-government rallies or
spread false information about Slovakia abroad. This new
legislation states that those who with “malicious intent
circulate false information abroad harming the interest of the
republic” can be jailed or fined.
On 9 April, President Michal Kovac refused to sign the amended
Penal Code, which he considers to be undemocratic, and returned
it to Parliament for reconsideration.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
that it constitutes a direct assault on freedom of expression as
guaranteed by Article 19 of the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights
amendments that threaten freedom of expression
Appeals To
His Excellency Vladimir Meciar
Prime Minister
Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic
Bratislava
Slovakia
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
