Trial of “Feral Tribune” journalists to resume in December
(RSF/IFEX) – The trial of Viktor Ivancic, editor-in-chief of the satirical weekly “Feral Tribune”, and staff reporter Marinko Culic is set to resume on 22 December 1997. **Updates IFEX alerts dated 6 May 1997, 10 October, 26 and 19 September, 14 and 12 June and 8 May 1996** Background Information The two journalists are accused […]
Independent radio station refused long-term broadcasting licence
On 15 July 1996, the Croatian Telecommunications Council for the second time failed to pass a decision on allotting the frequency of 94.3 FM to the independent radio station Radio 101. Furthermore, for its second application to obtain a long-term broadcasting licence, Radio 101 was able to provide documentation said to be missing in its […]
“Feral Tribune” journalists Viktor Ivancic and Marinko Culic acquitted of defaming President Franjo Tudjman
On 26 September 1996, Viktor Ivancic, editor-in-chief of the satirical weekly “Feral Tribune”, and reporter Marinko Culic were acquitted of defaming Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. Judge Marin Mrcela delivered his verdict at Zagreb Municipal Court, saying that the offending material in “Feral Tribune” was obviously absurd and merely intended to pass judgment on political activity. […]
Authorities shut down news program “Slikom na Sliku”
On 1 July 1996, Croatian authorities cancelled the television news program “Slikom na Sliku” (“Frame by Frame”), which airs on state-owned HTV. Journalists at the program stated that officials from HTV, which is the only nation-wide television channel in Croatia, informed the program’s editor that HTV would no longer air “Slikom na Sliku.” No reason […]
Trial of “Feral Tribune” journalists postponed until September
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 12 June and 8 May 1996** The trial of “Feral Tribune” editor-in-chief Viktor Ivancic and reporter Marinko Culic has been unexpectedly adjourned until 25 September 1996. After reading the indictment and the opening defence statements, the judge adjourned the trial, saying that he recognised the need to call new witnesses. The […]
Trial of “Feral Tribune” journalists Viktor Ivancic and Marinko Culic to begin on 14 June
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 8 May 1996; for background to legislation, see IFEX alerts dated 2 April and 14 March 1996** On 14 June 1996, court proceedings will begin in Zagreb against Viktor Ivancic, editor-in-chief of the satirical weekly “Feral Tribune” and Marinko Culic, a journalist with the newspaper. The two are charged with making […]
CPJ appeals to author of Criminal Libel Law
**For background to recent cases, see IFEX alerts dated 24, 8, 6 May, 24 April 1996 and others** The following is the full-text of an appeal sent by CPJ’s Program Coordinator for Central Europe and the former Soviet Union to the author of Croatia’s Criminal Libel Law, Vladimir Seks: “Dear Mr. Seks, “You may recall […]
Croatian President’s daughter files libel suit against “Feral Tribune”
**Updates IFEX alert dated 8 May 1996; for background, see also IFEX alerts of 21 May, 24 April, 12 March and others** According to the Reuter news agency, on 23 May 1996, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman’s daughter, Nevenka Kosutic, filed a civil libel suit against the Split-based independent newspaper “Feral Tribune”, demanding 3.5 million kuna […]
Two “Feral Tribune” journalists face criminal charges; “Panorama” newspaper closed down; “Novi List” ordered to pay fine
According to journalists at the independent weekly “Feral Tribune”, on 3 May 1996, editor-in-chief Viktor Ivancic was taken to police offices and informed that a criminal case had been opened against him and reporter Marinko Culic. The charges cite the 29 April 1996 edition of the “Feral Tribune” issue that contained Culic’s article entitled “Bones […]
“Novi List” ordered to pay backdated taxes; editor-in- chief of “Nacional” charged with publishing misleading information
On 28 March 1996, the independent daily “Novi List” was ordered to pay backdated taxes of 12.5 million francs (US$ 2.5 million), even though the newspaper had previously been exempt from it. The order came following an investigation by financial police which began on 23 January, several weeks after the publication of an article which […]
Croatian Parliament adopts amendments to Penal Code which will severely curtail press freedom
**Updates IFEX alert dated 14 March 1996** On 29 March 1996, the Croatian Parliament voted to adopt amendments to the country’s Penal Code that would re-establish crimes of the media. Journalists who contravene any of the crimes could face penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison. For the amendments to become law […]
“Feral Tribune” tax withdrawn
**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 14 July 1994** On 22 March, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia withdrew the tax on the Croatian independent satirical weekly “Feral Tribune”. A 50 per cent sales tax had been slapped on “Feral Tribune” from 1 July 1994. Normally such a tax is only applied to pornographic […]