Criminal Code Threatens Freedom of Expression

In a letter we urge the president of Kosovo not to sign the changes in the criminal code. The new amendments are a threat against freedom of expression in Kosovo and could limit the work of our partners.

Article 37 of the criminal code includes criminal liability for editors, publishers and producers, which could have a negative effect on media freedom and open up for self-censorship and dis-encouragement.

We are also worried that Article 37 will leave room for interpretation by judges and prosecutors and create possibilities for misuse of the law. It also breaches European standards regulating freedom of speech and the media, as well as Kosovo’s existing media legislation. If the law enters into force, it means a huge setback in implementation of human rights standards.

Read the letter to the President of Kosovo here.