OSCE media freedom representative concerned about proposed public information law in Denmark

STOCKHOLM, 23 May 2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today expressed concern over parts of Denmark’s new public information law that would restrict the public’s access to information in the legislative process.

“If adopted, the proposed law would unnecessarily obstruct journalists from following the legislative process,” Mijatović said. “It would result in tighter control of information in Denmark’s power centres, including ministries and the parliament.”

The proposed new law, scheduled for a vote in the Danish parliament at the end of May, contains two sections that could have consequences for access to information in the political and law-making processes. One would block journalists and the public from accessing internal documents and information when a minister is seeking advice from subordinate authorities or ministries. The other would restrict access to documents compiled by, and exchanged between, ministers and members of parliament in connection with laws or other corresponding political processes.

Mijatović noted that the proposed law lacks any harm test, which means that information that would not in any way harm the functioning of the government can still be withheld.

“I ask the members of the Danish parliament to reconsider and to reject the two sections in the bill that could restrict access to information in the political and law-making processes,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović is currently in Stockholm attending a conference on Internet freedom.