OSCE calls for steps to be taken in Croatia for media rights

ZAGREB, 20 November 1998 - The media have a vital role to play in democratic societies. If comprehensive information and a diversity of views are not available to the public through the media, then the quality and responsibility of political life are bound to suffer.

Direct censorship is not the only way of muzzling a free and independent press. Media can also be stifled through economic and legal means. For example, the Tisak company - which is Croatia's biggest distribution company for printed media - has repeatedly withheld some of the sales revenue that is owed to certain newspapers.

The selective withholding of such revenue amounts to a form of pressure which is widely, and inevitably, perceived as having a political motivation. We also note that some newspapers are being financially drained by huge fines, imposed as a result of many defamation lawsuits that have been brought by officials of the Government and members of the governing party or their families.

Given the number and size of these fines, as well as the identity of many of the plaintiffs, there is again a widespread perception that political motives are involved. It appears that certain newspapers now risk financial collapse as a result of the pressures described here. The OSCE Mission believes that urgent steps should be taken to alleviate these pressures.