In regard of many complaints by the journalists, editors or electronic media about discriminatory actions of some authorities, the Commissioner, Mr. Rodoljub Sabic, states:

„We very often witness the cases when some state authorities demonstrate discrimination in their relation to media or at least they arouse our suspicions in their discriminatory attitude. The journalists and media are right when they point out the cases, like exclusive disclosure of information, photos or documents, prevented attendance at the press conferences, selective invitations, accreditation problems, etc.   

If we take into account important role of the media in a democratic society, we need to face the fact that in this system, we do not have active and efficient means to prevent and sanction discriminatory approach to media.

Our main media-related law, the Law on free information, in its principle provisions forbids any restriction of the free information flow and discrimination. Still, this Law does not envisage any penalty provision for possible discriminatory actions.

The Law on access to information of public importance, also, forbids discrimination, but only a segment of discrimination - the situation when one of many journalists or media, that request information simultaneously, is privileged. This law, at least in this case, prescribes liability for violation and the 50,000 Dinars penalty. The Commissioner has no authorisation for initiation and conducting of the proceedings. The Ministry in charge of initiation of the correctional proceedings for offence, still has no appropriate capacities for this task, and this relatively modest threat is only a dead letter.

I think it is obvious that this situation has to be changed without any further delay. “