New OSCE-sponsored report highlights freedom of expression and fair trials of defamation cases in Skopje

SKOPJE, 16 January 2007 - Freedom of the media in the context of defamation legislation is the focus of a new report co-sponsored by the OSCE Mission in Skopje, which was presented today.

Based on the monitoring of 27 defamation trials, the report features legal and policy recommendations to the country's authorities.

"Freedom of expression through independent media is vital for democratic development," said Sarah Broughton, Spokesperson and Head of the Media Development Unit of the OSCE Mission.

"This report will help state authorities, freedom of media activists, judiciary and all other relevant actors to unite their efforts and find the legal and ethical balance between protection of reputation and freedom of expression.

"The country amended the Criminal Code and abolished imprisonment as a punishment for defamation. This impressive development is in line with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ongoing campaign against criminalization of defamation."

Irena Miovski, Co-ordinator of the project, added: "The report identifies to which extent the international fair trial standards are respected at the court hearings against the journalists accused for defamation.

"Our country can only benefit from having defamation cases regulated by civil jurisdiction. This will have a liberating effect on media professionals and will help them fulfill their responsibilities in a more professional way. This in turn will provide greater transparency in public life."

The project was implemented by a coalition of local non-governmental organizations, "All for Fair Trials".