Slovakia

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From the Communiqué

22 April 2009

Civil defamation a worrying trend in Slovakia, says IPI

Civil defamation lawsuits are being disproportionately slapped onto critical journalists and media organisations in Slovakia, which could have the added effect of self-censorship, says the International Press Institute (IPI) in a new report.
5 February 2002

COURT SUSPENDS CRIMINAL CODE'S DEFAMATION PROVISIONS

Slovakia's Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended two sections of the country's Criminal Code until it examines them further, due to concerns that they may threaten freedom of speech, report ARTICLE 19 and Radio Free Europe. The 10 January decision came partly due to pressure from several members of parliament who sent a petition raising their concerns about Articles 102 and 103, says ARTICLE 19. Under Article 103, anyone found guilty of "publicly defaming the president for the performance of his duties or his activities in his public life" can be imprisoned for up to two years. Article 102 penalises those who "publicly defame the country and its officials."

See all articles: Slovakia



Reports

27 March 2008

Freedom of the Press 2007: Slovakia


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Alerts

European Court of Human Rights overrules libel decision 29 July 2011 Prime minister accuses media of conspiring to undermine government 22 December 2009 IPI urges Slovak agency to drop case against newspaper 3 June 2009 Prime minister threatens action against journalists who cover groups said to "promote separatism" 9 April 2009 Radio broadcaster fined for libel, "truth distorting" 25 November 2008 Controversial Press Act passes third reading; IPI asks president not to sign it into law 16 April 2008 ARTICLE 19 urges authorities to remove content restrictions, revise system of corrections/replies in draft press law 15 February 2008 Draft press bill opens media to manipulation by politicians, says SEEMO 23 January 2008 Prime minister accuses media of "harassing" minister and "political involvement" 15 August 2007 ARTICLE 19 calls for repeal of criminal defamation provisions 24 February 2005 IPI worried by prohibitive compensation in civil libel suit against newspaper 17 December 2004 Newspaper subjected to illegal telephone surveillance 14 July 2003 Prosecutor's office threatens to pursue action for criminal libel against journalist 4 December 2002 MPs urge court to remove criminal defamation provisions from Penal Code 1 February 2002 Parliament rejects amendment to the Penal Code that would have abolished provisions on insult laws 15 November 2001 President's aide states that charges of criminal defamation against journalist will not be dropped 5 July 2001 Journalist faces criminal defamation charges 26 June 2001 Journalist appeals defamation charges 13 April 2000 Analysis of draft mass media law 8 September 1999 IPI issues report on Slovakia?s elections and the media 22 September 1998 Slovak journalist assaulted and detained 20 August 1998 Proposed press legislation amendments would undermine press freedom 24 April 1998 Concerns for safety of journalist 19 March 1998 Authorities temporarily cut independent radio station off its main frequency 15 October 1997 Concern at statements directed against media 24 May 1996 See all alerts: Slovakia
 
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