Romania: Information on recent laws sanctioning anti-government criticism
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 August 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ROM9111 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Romania: Information on recent laws sanctioning anti-government criticism, 1 August 1991, ROM9111, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab664c.html [accessed 17 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A correspondent of Radio Free Europe indicated that he knew
of no law which specifically sanctions anti-government criticism
in Romania (7 Aug. 1991). The correspondent stated that there is
a relatively free press although much of the electronic media
generally appears to be still under government control
(Ibid.). Although no censorship is known to be in effect,
there are cases where journalists have been beaten for expressing
their political opinions (Ibid.). However, it is difficult to
trace such cases directly to the government (Ibid.).
In March 1991, the government proposed a new press law which
would have provided for punishment for defamation of the
President, legal system, government, army or any public body
(Index on Censorship July 1991, 38-39). According to Radio
Free Europe, this draft press law was withdrawn on 19 March 1991
following international and domestic protests (RFE 5 April 1991,
20).
There is no further information currently available to the
IRBDC which is specific to this topic.
Bibliography
Correspondent of Radio Free Europe (Washington). 7 August 1991.
Telephone interview, Ottawa.
Index on Censorship. July 1991. Vol. 20, No. 7. "Index:
Romania."
Radio Free Europe. 5 April 1991. Vol. 2, No. 14. Report on
Eastern Europe. Stefanescu, Crisula. "Draft Press Law Withdrawn a Second Time."
Attachment
Radio Free Europe. 5 April 1991. Vol. 2, No. 14. Report on
Eastern Europe. Stefanescu, Crisula. "Draft Press Law Withdrawn a Second Time."
