Romanian Senate Chairman Says People Making A Living On Copyright Should Be Protected

"Regarding copyright, I too am of the opinion that it is natural that people who earn a living based on this legal instrument (copyright – e.n.) need to be protected,” Geoana said.

 

He said it is the obligation of the state to avoid and punish excesses, but where there are fundamental elements in the retribution of people of certain professions, such as journalists or actors, the state should try and protect these categories instead of creating additional difficulties.

 

The social democrat leader also said he will try to bring up the subject with the country’s ruling coalition.

 

Romanian Press Club president Indira Crasnea said after the meeting that she hopes Geoana will be the media’s partner in the coalition regarding the issue of copyright in the media.

 

"Mr. Geoana will be our advocate in the coalition," Crasnea said, adding that “copyright stays in our profession and is part of the identity of the profession of journalist".

 

Members of the Romanian Press Club met with Geoana on Tuesday and invitations to such meetings have also been sent to President Traian Basescu for February and Prime Minister Emil Boc for March.

 

The government hasn’t made any decision regarding the regulation of copyright payments and the matter is to be discussed with union leaders, Prime Minister Boc said Saturday. He also confirmed he had a talk on this subject with unions and employers.

 

The head of the "Cartel Alfa" union, Bogdan Hossu, told MEDIAFAX Saturday that he proposed the elimination of copyright contracts, saying this type of payment leaves way for tax evasion.