OSCE SUGGESTS AMENDMENTS TO LAW ON HRT

VIENNA, March 14 (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, on Thursday submitted a regular report on freedom of the media in some OSCE countries to the OSCE Permanent Council. Duve suggested to Croatia to adopt amendments to a law on the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) and a special law on electronic media. Speaking about Croatia, Duve said that the law on HRT, which Croatia adopted in 2001, is a step forward, but it crucially fails to detach HRT from the influence of the Government and the Parliament of the day.". A certain number of key amendments, which Croatia should adopt, have been suggested in the analysis of the law on the HRT, aiming at helping Croatian authorities and the media in the transformation process, Duve said. This would enable the Croatian Radio and Television to progress as independent public service, he said. The analysis suggests the adoption of the special law on electronic media which should enable the establishment of a completely independent body, in charge of all radio and TV stations, including HRT, Duve said in Vienna. Speaking about individual cases, Duve said he was initially worried about some indications that the state attorney could start a procedure against journalist Denis Latin. He said he was satisfied that this did not happen. Duve said he was following events related to the "Feral Tribune" weekly with interest and that he will make a statement in that regard soon. He said he was encouraged by the extensive public discussion on the topic and that he hoped the discussion will yield positive results.