The IFJ is very concerned about the draft criminal code for Serbia

H.E. Boris Tadic
President of Republic of Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

H.E. Vojislav Kostunica
Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro

8 March 2005

Dear Sirs,

Dear Sirs,

The International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest Journalists’ organization, is very concerned about the draft criminal code for Serbia.

According to our information the draft code contains criminal penalties for libel and defamation which could result in prison sentences for six months, or up to three years if the alleged victim of the libel is considered to have suffered ‘heavy consequences’.

The IFJ believes that all cases of libel and defamation should be treated under the civil law and that its inclusion under criminal law is a breach of recognized European and international norms. Decriminalising libel and defamation is an essential step in the building of a free press and a democratic society.

We trust that you will listen to the appeals of Serbia’s and Europe’s journalists and remove the offending articles from the draft criminal code.

With Kind Regards

AIDAN WHITE

General Secretary, IFJ