Jurists and Journalists of Moldova to discuss freedom of speech of the press

Jurists and journalists of Moldova will discuss, within a public debate, the 16th article of the Civil Code and freedom of speech of the press. According to the executive director of Soros Foundation – Moldova, Victor Ursu, the public debate “Again about the 16th article of the Civil Code and freedom of speech of the press: jurists and journalists face to face” aims at identifying methods of adjusting the present legal framework concerning this field to the standards of the Council of Europe on freedom of speech and information. According to the agenda, the debates will tackle several issues, including the necessity of amending the 16th article. The jurist of the Independent Journalism Center, Olivia Partac will analyze the extent at which it is complying with the European standards, the judge of the Supreme Justice Court, Vera Macinschi will talk about the article within the judicial practice and the teacher of the Journalism Department of the State University of Moldova, Ion Bunduchi will examine at what extent the 16th article of the Civil Code encourages or intimidates the press to appear as a society’s watchdog. Also the issues related to the role of press in the society; details that are not present in the mentioned-above article and how this fact affects media and judicial practice; conclusions on ECHR cases; at what extent a person can be criticized will be debated. Also the representative of the “Jurists for Human Rights” Association, Vlad Gribincea, executive director of Independent Press Asociation, Petru Macovei, the director of News Agency “Info-Prim Neo”, Valeriu Vasilica will participate to the discussion. Politicians, representatives of diplomatic missions and international bodies accredited in Chisinau, jurists of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Justice Court, Ministry of Justice, representatives of the Audiovisual Coordinating Council, civil society and journalists will participate to the debates. The public debate “Again about the 16th article of the Civil Code and press’s freedom of speech: jurists and journalists face to face” will take place on July 14, starting 10:00 AM in the Conference Room of “Dedeman” hotel.