The Association of Journalists strongly condemns the attempt to introduce a censorship bill prohibiting the publication and possession of wire-tapped materials in Parliament yesterday afternoon, filed by MP’s from the ruling parties, VMRO-DPMNE and DUI, and it requires an immediate withdrawal from parliamentary procedure. They said that this was an outrageous proposal and instead of the expected improvement of the freedom of expression and independence of the media, the government is trying to destroy the freedom of speech and wants to dictate to the journalists and media what they may and what they may not say to the public.
“This unprecedented legislative proposal violates the Constitution in Article 16 which expressly states that censorship is forbidden. In addition, the European Convention on Human Rights and Freedom, which Macedonia is obliged to respect, unequivocally protects freedom of expression. We remind you that journalists are obliged to publish reports involving suspected abuse of all public officials because it perpetrate the journalistic code which clearly states that journalists will respect the laws of the state, but will not disclose or conceal anything that is contrary to public interest”, said the statement.
