SLOVAKIA: DEMONSTRATION AGAINST PROPOSED MEDIA LAW

Описание: (5 May 1996) Eng/Slovak/Nat

Concern is mounting in Slovakia over a proposed law which would make it a crime to criticise the state.

Opponents of the move say it threatens basic human rights and accuse the government of trying to turn the clock back to communist times.

Slovak President Michal Kovac has refused to sign the law - but the legislation could still be passed by parliament.

As protestors gathered in Bratislava's Assembly Square for a demonstration against the government's proposed media law, they claim that such meetings could soon be outlawed.

Amendments to Slovakia's penal code make it an offense to criticise the state.

People could be jailed or fined for deliberately spreading false information that could damage state interest.

Another provision prohibits public rallies organised with the intention to subvert the constitutional system, territorial integrity or defence capability of the country.

The ruling coalition parties, under Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar, have already passed the amendments through the first legislative stage in parliament.

Meciar says the changes are necessary to protect the young, independent republic.

But critics say the wording of the legislation is so vague it would be open to arbitrary interpretation and could be used to silence any opposition to the government.

Some protestors were dressed as secret policemen and pretended to take notes on the rally, suggesting that's what could happen under the new law.

SOUNDBITE: (Slovak)
"We think that the new paragraphs of the penal code break the General Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of the Slovak Republic. Their vague formulation provide an unlimited space for abuse and for the citizen of the Slovak Republic they create legal uncertainty comparable to the times before 1990."
SUPER CAPTION: Alexander Ruttkay, Vice Chairman of Kovo Trade Union

The protestors said the law threatens their basic human rights.

SOUNDBITE: (Slovak)
This law basically copies the legislation that in the past created political prisoners, mostly Christians who suffered under the political prosecution.
SUPER CAPTION: Julius Zelenay, Protestor

Opposition politicians say the new law sends the wrong message to the rest of the world about what sort of country Slovakia is now.

And they say it will lower Slovakia's ranking on the waiting list for European Union membership.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"This code as many other measures and decisions of the present government are very much violating the possibility of Slovakia to be in the first track of those countries that will be integrated into NATO and the European Union as well.
SUPER CAPTION: Brigita Schmognerova , Deputy Chairman Democratic Left Party

The President of Slovakia Michal Kovac has refused to sign the law.

He is involved in a bitter power struggle with Prime Minister Meciar and has declared the amendments unconstitutional.

He accused the government of putting the state before the people.

SOUNDBITE: (Slovak)
" I believe that this law is based on a philosophy which seems to consider the protection of the state, of the territorial integrity or of the independence of a higher value than the protection of human rights.
SUPER CAPTION: Michal Kovac, President of Slovak Republic

But the government dismisses these criticisms.

SOUNDBITE:
"This law is fully in accord with the constitution as well as the list of human rights, it is fully based on rules, binding for Slovakia and therefore it is not breaking those rights.


SOUNDBITE: (English)



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