Italy criminal defamation as part of wider legislative reform

Italy: Abolish prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of wider reform

MFRR partners call for the abolition of prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of necessary and overdue legislative reform.

On 9 June there will be a public hearing at the Italian Constitutional Court into the legitimacy of laws that allow for jail sentences for journalists convicted of defamation. MFRR partners call for the abolition of prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of wider legislative reform that is needed to also strengthen civil defamation protections. This would ensure journalists and media workers are able to report and carry out their work free from the threats of legal actions that could result in imprisonment or severe financial penalties.

Czech Republic follow up public service TV

Czech Republic: Preserve the Freedom and Independence of Public Service TV

Members of MFRR follow up with Members of Parliament in Czech Republic in relation to the composition of the Council of Czech TV (Česká televize)

Representatives of the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), International Press Institute (IPI) and the Syndicate of Journalists of Czech Republic have sent a letter to Members of Parliament in the Czech Republic to raise concerns that the composition of the Council of Czech TV (Česká televize) cannot be considered impartial or balanced between political groups.