(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 24 - "The European Union regrets that
the Republika Srpska National Assembly voted in favor of
amendments to the Republika Srpska criminal code reintroducing
criminal penalties for defamation," EU spokesperson for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said in a statement
today. "These legislative changes would impose unnecessary and
disproportionate restrictions on independent media and civil
society," he added.
In December 2022, the European Council granted Bosnia and
Herzegovina candidate status. Candidate status is accompanied by
rigorous expectations. In its recommendation for candidate
status, the Commission has outlined the steps Bosnia and
Herzegovina must take. Among these measures was the
strengthening of freedom of expression and media freedom, the
statement continues. "Today's decision is a clear step in the
wrong direction and has a chilling effect on media freedom in
Republika Srpska. It also puts into question the strategic
commitment of the ruling parties in Republika Srpska to Bosnia
and Herzegovina's accession to the European Union," the eu Said.
(ANSA).
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EU 'regrets' new defamation law in Republika Srpska
"Clear step in the wrong direction"