NEW CRIMINAL CODE LEVELS FREEDOM WITH REPORTER'S RESPONSIBILITY

ZAGREB, Oct 1 (Hina) - Croatian Justice Minister Miroslav Separovic held a news conference in Zagreb on Wednesday which focused on the new criminal code which was passed on 19 September. Speaking about the provisions of the criminal code pertaining to journalism, Sarinic said that the new criminal code did not interrupt the freedom of the media, but introduced a "balance between freedom and responsibility for the written word". Commenting on criticism that the new criminal code undermined international standards regarding the freedom of the media, Separovic said that was not true, adding that there was no possibility that under the code, certain criminal acts would be connected with the former verbal offence. Asked to additionally explain provisions pertaining to the responsibility of reporters, one of the leaders of a working group drafting the provisions, Zeljko Horvatic, said the problem had been well resolved by the laws in effect, adding that the new code went a step further. The public regarded partially the articles which regulate this, he said. Horvatic stressed that the restriction or prevention of the freedom of the media was a criminal act. Anyone censuring or preventing a reporter from obtaining information, unless it is a state, military or official secret, will be punished. Punishment is being prescribed for the prevention of printing or distribution of newspapers. Reiterating that the new criminal code did not narrow the freedoms of the media, Horvatic told critics that they had to base their arguments on facts. Separovic spoke about the Declaration on the conditions of reintegration of the judiciary in the Croatian Danube river region into Croatia's justice system, which was signed on Tuesday. The Justice Ministry retained all employees in the Danubian area (167 of them). Judges would have to pass a procedure of elections and nominations before the State Panel of Judges, Separovic said. Asked about the Law on the validation of documents issued by illegal authorities in the formerly occupied areas, which was passed on 29 September, Separovic said that all those who had acquired property in an illegal fashion in the Danubian area, it would not be validated. (hina) lm jn 011705 MET oct 97