**Updates IFEX alerts of 8 December 1999** (IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release: IFJ Condemns Serbia’s Information Law The International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest organisation of journalists, today accused Serbian authorities of waging a new war against the independent media. The IFJ condemned charges brought against three independent news media […]
**Updates IFEX alerts of 8 December 1999**
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release:
IFJ Condemns Serbia’s Information Law
The International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest organisation of journalists, today accused Serbian authorities of waging a new war against the independent media. The IFJ condemned charges brought against three independent news media in Belgrade that could lead to their closure in a matter of days. Editors from the daily newspaper Blic and Danas, and the independent television station Studio B, were ordered to appear in court today to face charges under Serbian Information Law.
The IFJ demands the removal of this offensive Information Law. “It is part of a malicious, politically driven campaign against the democratic forces in the media”, said Aidan White, General Secretary of the IFJ. The editors were expecting heavy fines of around $200,000 which could force them out of business.
The charges originate from a December 4 Blic story that reported statements made by Vuk Draskovic, leader of the opposition Serbian Renewal Movement, incriminating the Serbian Secret Service in a recent assassination attempt against him. On October 3, a truck swerved into Draskovic’s car, injuring him and killing his brother-in-law and three others.
Blic is the largest-circulation newspaper in Serbia. The Belgrade television station Studio B and the daily Danas are also accused because they carried Draskovic’s statement.
The suits have been brought by Vojislav Seselj, leader of the ultra nationalist Serbian Radical Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia. Seselj claims that the report defamed him, even though he was not mentioned anywhere in the story. Under Serbia’s Information Law, fines must be paid within 48 hours or the government can begin seizing assets.
The editors appeared in court with their lawyers knowing they have little chance of winning. The paper does not have enough money to pay the fine and will be forced to close down.
“These journalists are victims of a draconian and offensive law which should be repealed immediately” said the IFJ. Even at this late stage we call for these cases to be dropped and for Serbia to commit itself to press freedom and democracy.
The International Federation of Journalists represents more than 450,000 journalists from over 100 countries worldwide. For further information, contact the IFJ on +32 2 223 22 65.
