New information law in Spain restricts public access to information, says OSCE media freedom representative

VIENNA, 13 September 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović expressed disappointment that an information law that Spanish parliament passed yesterday will in fact restrict the public’s access to information.

“This law will unnecessarily obstruct journalists from carrying out their role as watchdogs vis à vis the executive authorities and it does not meet international standards,” Mijatović said.

“Denial of access to government information is one of the most common ways to stifle media freedom. If adopted, the proposed law will result in authorities’ tighter control of information,” she said.

“I urge the members of the Senate to consider this when voting on the law.”