 |
|
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is writing to express its concern about the recent investigation launched by a public prosecutor into the bi-weekly newspaper Arkzin and its editor.
On Nov. 29,Croatian police questioned Vesna Jankovic, the editor of the independent Arkzin, about a Sept. 13, 1996 article that cited foreign analysts' reports on assets acquired by President Tudjman's family. Following the talks with Zagreb police, Jankovic was pressured into signing a statement saying that she was responsible for the article. Investigation follows an earlier pronouncement by President Tudjman that he would not tolerate"false prophets... who preach human rights and media freedom". To date, there have been no formal charges filed against Arkzin.
The public prosecutor launched the investigation under Articles 71 and 72 of the Croatian Penal Code, amended by the Croatian Parliament on March 29. The articles provide special protection from libel for five top government officials (including the president) and entile a public prosecutor to initiate proceedings in libel suits.The legislation was used against Feral Tribune journalists Marinko Culic and Victor Ivancic,who,after international outcry, were acquitted on Sept. 26 of libel against President Tudjman.
As a nonpartisan organisation dedicated to defending pressfreedom around the world, CPJ regards the investigation into Arkzin as an unwarranted act meant to threaten independ media in Croatia. Furthemore, because the legislation used to investigate the newspaper apllies only to top government officials, CPJ considers Articles 71 and 72 to be seditious libel statutes that are unacceptable in any country since they constitute the means to silence criticism of the goverment. They are especially to be contemend in a self-proclaimed democracy and new member of the Council of Europe such as Croatia. CPJ urges that investigation into Arkzin be dropped immediately and that Articles 71 and 72 be eliminated from the Croatian Penal Code.
Thank you for your attention. We welcome your comments.
Sincerely,
William A. Orme, Jr.
Executive Director
cc: