(CCPJ/IFEX) – Paris, 15 May 1998 – The following is an open letter to Prime Minister Radoje Kontic, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: We, journalists’ freedom of expression and human rights groups attending the annual general meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange in Paris, are deeply disturbed by the decision to impose exorbitant fees […]
(CCPJ/IFEX) – Paris, 15 May 1998 – The following is an open letter to Prime
Minister Radoje Kontic, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia:
We, journalists’ freedom of expression and human rights groups attending the
annual general meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange
in Paris, are deeply disturbed by the decision to impose exorbitant fees on
media for the temporary use of radio frequencies and television channels in
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The decision published in the Official Gazette of 8 May does not seem to
have a valid legal basis under the laws of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia, and was taken in secret and without public debate or warning.
If this decision is implemented, many independent broadcasters will be
forced off the air.
We believe that this decision is a deliberate attempt to silence independent
and opposition voices in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Despite the unnecessary complexity of current procedures, most broadcasters
had completed the relevant documentation to apply for licenses, a
time-consuming and costly exercise. If, however, any of them is granted a
license they would still be unable to meet the newly imposed financial
demands.
The continuing refusal of the authorities to produce clear, fair and
transparent rules or legislation for the application and allocation of
frequencies, facilitates the government stronghold over the media.
We, the undersigned, call on the authorities to revoke the financial
requirements for temporary use of frequencies and channels, and establish an
independent and transparent regulatory framework for the allocation of
licenses.
Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists
Egyptian Organization for Human Rights
Freedom House
Glasnost Defence Foundation
Greek Helsinki Monitor
Hong Kong Journalists Association
Independent Journalism Centre
Index on Censorship
Institute for Press and Society
International Federation of Journalists
International Press Institute
La Asociacion de Periodistas de Guatemala
Media Institute of Southern Africa<BR
Media Watch – Bangladesh
Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression
Pacific Islands News Association
Pakistan Press Foundation
Periodistas, the Argentinean Association for the Defence of Independent
Journalism
West African Journalists' Association
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters
World Press Freedom Committee
Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN
