ARTICLE 19 critiques Croatia’s recent amendments to the Criminal Code, which introduces criminal penalties for disclosing ‘non-public’ information related to criminal cases. They advocate for the repeal of these amendments, citing concerns that they violate international standards on freedom of expression. The new provisions restrict journalists and others from accessing and disseminating information crucial to public interest, undermining transparency and accountability in criminal proceedings. Despite exceptions for journalistic activity, these measures risk chilling effects on media freedom and civic engagement. ARTICLE 19 emphasizes the disproportionate nature of the sanctions, advocating for alternative measures to protect judicial integrity without stifling essential freedoms. Read more here.
Source: ARTICLE 19