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16 February 2012

Alerts - Hungary

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16 February 2012

Hungary

Media freedom under threat, says Human Rights Watch

After a recent visit to Budapest, the rights organisation warns the restrictions on media freedom pose a "clear danger to the EU's values".

16 January 2012

Hungary

Journalist faces threats of criminal prosecution for publishing leaked document

Access Info Europe, n-ost and SEENPM expressed their concerns about the threats of criminal charges against Attila Mong and the chilling effect that such threats are likely to have on freedom of expression in Hungary.

6 January 2012

Hungary

Human Rights Watch calls for government to reverse interference with courts, media

The country’s new constitution, which came into force on January 1, 2012, and other laws adopted over the last year give the ruling Fidesz party the ability to interfere arbitrarily with the judicial system and media, in violation of human rights law.

28 December 2011

Hungary

Journalists fired over ongoing hunger strike

The public broadcaster MTV fired Balazs Nagy Navarro and Aranka Szavuly, calling their protest against government manipulation of news content illegal and a "provocation".

21 December 2011

Hungary

Media authority refuses to renew radio station's licence

Klubrádió's prospective closure means the silencing of Hungary's only remaining independent radio station and a significant blow to media pluralism in the country, says ARTICLE 19.

14 December 2011

Hungary

IFJ condemns political manipulation at public TV stations

A union president is on hunger strike to defend the public's right to independent information.

27 April 2011

Hungary

New constitution poses serious threat to right to information, warn human rights and media freedom groups

The new Constitution replaces the independent Data Protection and Freedom of Information Commissioner with an administrative authority.

11 March 2011

Hungary

IPI renews objections to media law following amendments

The OSCE said on Thursday that the legislation could still be misused to curb alternative and differing voices, despite modifications adopted following a request from the European Commission.

23 February 2011

Hungary

Authorities urged to protect demonstrators from violence, guarantee rights to expression during gay pride march

"Instead of trying to obstruct the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression, the police authorities should fulfill their obligation to protect the demonstrators," said Human Rights Watch.

23 February 2011

Hungary

IFJ calls for "radical surgery" not cosmetic changes in media law

The European policymakers and media leaders want the media law to be in line with international standards of press freedom and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

15 February 2011

Hungary

Change the law now, says IFJ, as government targets bloggers

Media watchdog orders blogs to register under the new law.

7 January 2011

Hungary

Newly-constituted media authority takes over investigation into radio station

The inquiry relates to the station's broadcast of two songs by American rapper Ice-T of which the lyrics were deemed objectionable.

28 December 2010

Hungary

Journalists question Hungary's leadership of Europe as media law provokes outrage

Parliamentarians in Budapest agreed to create a new media council which will have the power to fine newspapers if they don't provide "balanced coverage".

9 November 2010

Hungary

Government criticised over media secrecy law

The parliament passed another element of a media reform package which will force journalists to identify their sources in stories involving national security and public safety.

2 July 2010

Hungary

Ruling party announces postponement of media package elements criticised by journalists

IPI has called for withdrawal of the current package, saying the initiative should preserve media independence and be implemented only after conferring with all stakeholders.

23 June 2010

Hungary

IFJ rejects new media bill and calls for public debate

The bill brings under state regulation the content of most printed and audiovisual media, even a part of the Internet.

25 June 2007

Hungary

Journalist badly beaten, hospitalised following threats over her reporting on corruption

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned a 22 June 2007 violent attack on investigative journalist Iren Karmen by two men that left her unconscious on the banks of the River Danube. She was found by a fisherman the next morning and is now hospitalised in Budapest with serious head injuries.

22 November 2004

Hungary

IPI dismayed by journalist's prosecution under outdated security law

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI press release:

4 November 2004

Hungary

Prominent daily faces closure

(IFJ/IFEX) ? The following is an IFJ media release:

23 January 2004

Hungary

Journalist given jail term with no parole for press offence for the first time since fall of communism

(RSF/IFEX) - A journalist has been sentenced to a jail term with no parole for a press offence for the first time since the fall of communism in 1990.

16 July 2001