OSCE Media Representative greets decision by Kazakhstan President to send media law for review

VIENNA, 8 April 2004 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, has expressed his satisfaction with the decision of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev to send a contested draft media law to the Constitutional Council.

The Council is to consider the compliance of the draft law with the country's Constitution.

In a letter sent to President Nazarbayev, Miklos Haraszti urged for a Presidential veto and pointed out that "the present draft law would worsen the working conditions for journalists and the general state of media freedom in Kazakhstan". The letter was sent prior to the President's decision to consult the Constitutional Council.

"This step of goodwill on your part would be greatly welcomed by the international community and would also be a crucial step in attaining your goal of achieving the OSCE Chairmanship in 2009," said Haraszti.

The controversial media law, which has received criticism by local associations of journalists as well as the international community, was adopted by Kazakhstan's Parliament on 18 March 2004 and was forwarded to the President for signature.

The President's decision on 31 March to send the law to the Constitutional Council postpones the deadline for signature or veto by a month.

The proposed law has been criticised by media experts for arbitrary interference in editorial policy by restricting reporting on a number of issues, including terrorism and state security, through broad and vaguely defined terms. The systems of accreditation, registration and licensing would also be onerous and overseen by bodies that lack the necessary independence.

The Representative hopes that these concerns would be taken into account when making a decision whether the media law is in line with the Constitution of Kazakhstan.