OSCE media freedom representative calls on Slovakia to decriminalize defamation and respect journalists’ rights

VIENNA, 23 March – Today OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir wrote to the Slovak authorities to express concern about a recently passed verdict on the case of journalist Lukáš Milan.

Earlier this month, Milan was convicted to a suspended sentence of 18 months, conditional to three years, for defaming a former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament in an article on corruption, published in 2015. The court decision also denies him the right to work as a journalist for the next 18 months.

“Criminal prosecution of journalists is disproportionate. Banning journalists from doing their work runs contrary to the very principle of freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” the Representative said. “I urge the Slovak authorities to decriminalize defamation, and to strongly consider Lukáš Milan’s right to freedom of expression, and respect his role as a journalist in his appeal.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.