(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 2 October 2002 ARTICLE 19 letter to Speaker of Parliament Vesna Perovic, expressing concern over the delayed implementation of Montenegro’s new media laws: 2 October 2002 Mrs Vesna Perovic Speaker of the Parliament Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro Fax: +381 81 242 192 Dear Mrs Perovic ARTICLE […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 2 October 2002 ARTICLE 19 letter to Speaker of Parliament Vesna Perovic, expressing concern over the delayed implementation of Montenegro’s new media laws:
2 October 2002
Mrs Vesna Perovic
Speaker of the Parliament
Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro
Fax: +381 81 242 192
Dear Mrs Perovic
ARTICLE 19, the Global Campaign for Free Expression, welcomes the adoption of three progressive media laws by the Montenegrin Parliament on 16 September 2002. The package of laws, comprising a Media Law, a Broadcasting Law and a Law on Public Broadcasting Services, represent a substantial achievement with regard to media freedom in the region. ARTICLE 19 also applauds the fact that the laws were drafted with the involvement of the local civil society, whilst detailed recommendations for compliance with international standards of freedom of expression were provided by the Council of Europe, as well as international organisations such as ARTICLE 19.
However, ARTICLE 19 also notes with concern the fact that, due to an amendment proposed by the Liberal Alliance, a party in the existing Parliamentary majority, the initiation of proceedings towards the full implementation of the laws has been set for 1 May 2003. After this date, there may be another Parliamentary vote to further postpone implementation.
ARTICLE 19 further notes that the adoption of the laws has been a rather protracted affair, as related Parliamentary debates were postponed eight times. Given the media laws’ history, we believe their full implementation should be treated as a matter of urgency, rather than being subjected to further delays.
It is disappointing that the progressive provisions contained in the new media laws, such as those for the creation of fair and transparent broadcasting regulations and for the establishment of a public service broadcaster, will not be promptly put into practice. The Parliamentary majority has justified its decision to delay implementation to 1 May 2003 by stating that, also pursuant to the Broadcasting Law, the ‘Broadcasting Center’, which now controls all transmission networks in Montenegro, is to become an independent entity by 30 April 2003. However, the two processes could be implemented in tandem.
Therefore, this decision seems to show a disinclination to quickly and effectively create the circumstances necessary for the full enjoyment of one’s right to freedom of expression and for the media to fulfil its role within a democratic society.
ARTICLE 19 views the postponement of the media laws’ implementation until 1 May 2003 as unnecessary and believes that the Parliament of Montenegro should initiate proceedings to bring them to full effect at the earliest opportunity.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Puddephatt
Executive Director
Recommended Action
Similar appeals can be sent to:
Vesna Perovic
Speaker of the Parliament
Parliament of the Republic of Montenegro
Fax: +381 81 242 192
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
