OSCE media freedom representative presents analysis of Belarusian information law and recommends improvements

VIENNA, 10 September 2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, today welcomed proposed amendments to Belarusian information law and called on the authorities to improve the draft legislation.

“I welcome the efforts of the authorities to enhance the transparency and accountability of government institutions,” Mijatović said in a letter to Dmitry Kharitonchik, Chairman of the House of Representatives commission drafting the legislation, which included a legal review of amendments to the law On information, information technologies and protection of information commissioned by her Office.

Mijatović said that the draft law does not reflect the principle of maximum disclosure of information and contains provisions that might result in arbitrary and unjustified restrictions on disclosure in practice.

“While there are positive changes, the proposed amendments do not fully ensure the right of citizens to seek and receive information,” she said.

“The in-depth legal review offers a number of important recommendations that would improve the draft law which I trust will be taken into account when debating the legislation,” Mijatović said. “I hope that such a discussion will be organized and will include all stakeholders, including civil society.”

Mijatović reiterated her readiness to continue working with Parliament to reform media legislation in line with OSCE commitments and international standards, particularly the law on mass media of 2008.

The full text of the legal review is available in Russian at: //www.osce.org/ru/fom/104709