HASH(0x895c7ec) (AMARC/IFEX) – The following is a 15 January 1999 statement by the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) distributed in its entirety by AMARC: Chief Editor of “Rights of Man” Magazine Faces Imprisonment Belgrade — January 15, 1999 ANEM protests sternly at another case of enforcement of the botched regulations of the new Serbian […]
HASH(0x895c7ec)
(AMARC/IFEX) – The following is a 15 January 1999 statement by the
Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) distributed in its
entirety by AMARC:
Chief Editor of “Rights of Man” Magazine Faces Imprisonment
Belgrade — January 15, 1999
ANEM protests sternly at another case of enforcement of the botched
regulations of the new Serbian Law on Public Information, this time against
the local magazine “Prava coveka” [Rights of Man] in the town of Leskovac in
southern Serbia.
The magazine and its editor-in-chief Bojan Toncic received a 150,000 dinar
(about 19,000 Deutschmarks) fine today.
This case clearly shows that the new law is enforced only to protect the
ruling structures from freedom of speech: the leader of the local ruling
Socialist Party of Serbia in Leskovac first singled out the magazine for
criticism in a news conference in Leskovac and shortly thereafter the
charges against the magazine were initiated.
ANEM is especially concerned that the motion for charges against “Prava
coveka” came from Radio Leskovac, the local broadcasting outlet whose
management seems oblivious to the fact that the repressive law can easily
turn against themselves. Radio Leskovac demonstrated a complete lack of
professional solidarity and awareness of professional interests of all
journalists.
Thanks to changes in the Serbian Law on Misdemeanours enacted after the
adoption of the Law on Public Information, Bojan Toncic, the editor-in-chief
of “Prava coveka”, faces 30 days’ imprisonment should he be unable to pay
the stiff fine of 50,000 dinars [about 6,250 Deutschmarks].
The court ruling in this case also reveals some grave legal shortcomings
which reveal the misdemeanour judge’s lack of knowledge of the local media
law.
The sentencing of “Prava coveka” to a stiff fine that will most likely
result in the imprisonment of the magazine’s editor-in-chief demonstrates
the authorities’ intent to stifle all media outlets that impart ideas other
than those the authorities see fit, and very symbolically testifies to the
level of respect of the rights of man in the country. It also shows that the
hunt the Serbian government has started with the publication of the forged
“CIA” document as the “crown evidence” of traitors within the country is
gaining force. ANEM warns the Serbian and Yugoslav authorities that the
action they have launched against those who think differently is doomed to
failure, as the only way to restore the country to the family of civilised
countries is respect of human rights rather than their violation. ANEM
therefore reiterates its demand for the abolishment of the restrictive
Serbian Law on Public Information.
