OSCE Representative lauds defamation laws reform in Lithuania, reiterates call for full decriminalization

VIENNA, 9 July 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed a recent decision in Lithuania to repeal criminal laws on insults, including provisions on special protection of public figures from insult.

“Decriminalization of insult is a positive step,” Mijatović said. “But I was disappointed to learn that the initial proposal to remove imprisonment for libel was not approved. Its preservation represents a disproportionate interference with the right of freedom of expression.”

On June 25 the Lithuanian Parliament approved amendments to remove two provisions in its Criminal Code that criminalized insult. Both provisions allow for prison sentences. After signature of the President, the amendments will go into effect on 1 April 2016.

“Lithuania should go further in its reform ambitions and fully decriminalize defamation,” Mijatović said. “These laws have the potential to restrain members of the media from reporting on issues that are in the public’s interest.”

The Representative has been following the process of reforming defamation laws in Lithuania closely. In 2013 she participated in a conference at the Lithuanian Parliament aimed at promoting decriminalization (see //www.osce.org/fom/109637).

In 2014 the Representative’s Office commissioned a legal review on the draft amendments, which is available at //www.osce.org/fom/111060.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.