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Romania Media Freedom Declines – Survey

Romania fell behind four notches to 94th spot as a country where journalists are “partly-free” from government interference, US-based Freedom House organization said in its annual survey of media freedom for 2007.
Romania Media Freedom Declines - Survey
30 apr. 2008, 17:43, English
The organization said freedom of press in Romania is protected by the Constitution and the government has become increasingly respectful of journalists’ rights.
 
In 2006, the Romanian parliament passed a measure that decriminalized defamation and similar offenses, meaning journalists would no longer face jail time if convicted, Freedom House mentioned.
 
Early 2007, however, the Constitutional Court cancelled the measure, arguing decriminalization of such actions would create a legal void regarding protection of human values – a person’s dignity and honor – thus breaching the principle of free access to justice.
 
According to the survey on media freedom, President Traian Basescu’s election in 2004 brought significant improvements in the political environment for the Romanian press as he has proven to be less controlling and manipulative of the media than his predecessors. Self-censorship also appears to have decreased, the organization said.
 
However, the government and state institutions remain sensitive to media criticism, and journalists are still risking jail or harassment over stories related to national security.