ZAGREB, Feb 12 (Hina) - The International Press Institute (IPI) on Thursday presented an overview of press freedom violations and major media development in 168 countries. According to the overview, the Croatian media are far from
being free. "The Croatian media is far from free. Government intimidation through the courts has reached an astounding level with editors of independent newspapers facing a plethora of criminal charges which appear designed to force them to spend more time sitting on court benches than at their desks", the IPI report read. According to the report, more than 500 libel suits against journalists are currently pending before Croatian courts. "Such suits are having an extremely detrimental effect on freedom of expression and the press", the IPI report read, adding that "these cases are costly and time consuming and the threat of imprisonment continues to linger". The IPI believes that the
ZAGREB, Feb 12 (Hina) - The International Press Institute (IPI) on
Thursday presented an overview of press freedom violations and
major media development in 168 countries.
According to the overview, the Croatian media are far from being
free.
"The Croatian media is far from free. Government intimidation
through the courts has reached an astounding level with editors of
independent newspapers facing a plethora of criminal charges which
appear designed to force them to spend more time sitting on court
benches than at their desks", the IPI report read.
According to the report, more than 500 libel suits against
journalists are currently pending before Croatian courts.
"Such suits are having an extremely detrimental effect on freedom
of expression and the press", the IPI report read, adding that
"these cases are costly and time consuming and the threat of
imprisonment continues to linger".
The IPI believes that the state is controlling a significant share
of electronic media and press, and promoting the ruling party's
policy.
A new law on the Croatian Radio Television (HRT) has been criticised
on many occasions because it does not include many international
suggestions.
The IPI was founded in New York in 1950. It is a global network of
editors, media executives, and leading journalists from
newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and news agencies in over 100
countries.
The first aim of the IPI is the defence of press freedom.
(hina) it jn/rml