EU presidency country faces criticism over press freedom

LUCIA KUBOSOVA

07.01.2008 @ 09:22 CET

The government of new EU presidency country Slovenia is facing mounting criticism over press freedom, with over 500 journalists in the two million-country accusing its political leaders of censorship.

Fresh protests by the Slovenian media came after alleged reluctance by the centre-right government led by prime minister Janez Jansa to tackle earlier complaints by journalists.

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Two leading reporters, Blaz Zgaga and Matej Surc, initiated a petition last year signed by some 570 journalists - or one fifth of Slovenia's entire media sector.

The petition accused Ljubljana's leadership of taking measures against their critics in key newspapers and TVs.

The state owns shares in large Slovenian companies which are also co-owners of media, and there have been major changes to boards of administration and management in the country's main media, according to the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).

Journalists suggest political pressure is influencing daily editorial decisions.

As no action followed after the petition, its two initiators decided to renew pressure, calling for independent experts to join the country's media commission to "evaluate the situation and contribute to improving media freedom in Slovenia," AFP reported.

The idea of a public inquiry into all forms of political interference in media was also supported by the EFJ and its international umbrella organisation (IFJ).

The two groups argued in a joint statement that such a step would "send an extremely positive signal to the EU that the Slovenian government is prepared to take a stand for media freedom and quality journalism not just in Slovenia but throughout Europe."

But the Slovenian government has so far responded by accusing the media critics of "spreading lies, misleading domestic and international public opinion and discrediting Slovenia while it is heading the EU presidency."