OSCE Croatia mission calls for more profound debate on measures to prevent hate speech and assess past ideologies

ZAGREB, 22 November 2004 - Important steps made toward the reconciliation and normalisation of relations within south-east Europe, such as the Croatian Prime Minister's recent visit to Belgrade, should not be set back by isolated incidents, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Peter Semneby, said today.

"Several recent incidents demonstrate that history and past ideologies still play a role in many people's minds in Croatia as well as in neighbouring countries," said Ambassador Semneby.

"For this reason, it is important to foster joint visions for the future, not least the European vocation of all countries in the region, which is based on tolerance and will also eventually bring greater prosperity."

The Mission noted a recent incident in which students from Serbia and Montenegro were convicted and imprisoned for disturbing public order when they displayed the image of a World War Two Serbian leader while taking pictures in Croatia's capital Zagreb.

This follows on recent conflicts around the erection of monuments commemorating Croatian leaders from the same period.

The OSCE Mission believes that hate speech and the promotion and glorification of ideologies used to spread ethnic discord should be prevented. However, it is important that this is done in a balanced manner so as not to encroach on the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

"The use of laws not intended for this purpose, such as misdemeanour laws, is vulnerable to misuse and arbitrary action," the Ambassador added.

"Ultimately there is a need for a profound political and legislative discussion on measures to prevent hate speech and on how to assess past ideologies while safeguarding the freedom of speech."