OSCE Representative urges Czech Parliament to abolish amendment criminalizing defamation of president

PARIS, 16 November 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today urged members of the parliament in the Czech Republic to abolish an amendment making defamation of the country’s president a criminal offence.

“This draft amendment would allow prosecution of critics of the president and poses a threat to freedom of expression and media freedom in the country,” Mijatović said. “The bill also contains a broad definition of what constitutes defamation of the president and denigration of his reputation.”

Currently sponsored by 64 of the 200 members of the lower house of the parliament, the proposed amendment to the criminal code states that anyone publicly defaming the president or hinders the execution of his powers and thus denigrates his reputation could face up to one year in prison.

The Representative noted media reports that several senior government officials, including Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Justice Minister Robert Pelikan, oppose the amendment.

“Defamation laws should not be tools for politicians and those in authority to silence critical voices,” Mijatović said. On the contrary, public figures should withstand a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism because of their public roles.”

It has been a strong position and consistent policy of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ever since it was established to promote the abolition of all criminal defamation laws.

In June 2016, the Representative issued a communiqué and a set of recommendations on criminal defamation laws protecting foreign heads of state. The communiqué is available at www.osce.org/fom/246521.

Mijatović is in Paris participating in an international conference on Internet governance.

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.