OSCE Representative presents analysis of draft amendments to Moldova’s Audiovisual Code

VIENNA, 3 August 2015 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today presented a legal analysis of two draft laws amending the Audiovisual Code of the Republic of Moldova, commissioned by her Office to assist the authorities in their efforts to improve the national media legislation.

The legal review was provided upon a request from Andrian Candu, Chairman of Parliament.

In a letter to Candu on 23 July, the Representative referred to a conclusion reached by the author of the analysis that the current draft amendments contained fewer ambiguous provisions than prior drafts (see //www.osce.org/fom/152491).

The report maintained, however, that it is difficult and often counterproductive to try to limit certain speech by excessively restrictive legislation.

The analysis offers several practical recommendations to bring the proposed legislation in line with OSCE media freedom commitments.

The Representative expressed hope that the proposed draft amendments would be carefully reviewed by Parliament so that the legislative regulation does not pose undue limits on free speech and the free flow of information.

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.