The Slovak association Via Iuris and Transparency International Slovakia have warned that proposed revisions to the law on access to information would “mean a major setback and a significant weakening of the rights of citizens and journalists for information,” in the words of Via Iuris.
Draft amendments undergoing interdepartmental review, the groups explained in June 28 press releases, contain a variety of objectionable provisions.
Some ministries and offices have suggested the possibility of fining requesters, eliminating sanctions on officials for breaching the information law and lengthening response times.
According to another proposal, joint stock companies in which the state is the majority stockholder would not be obliged to inform on their economic performance, the groups further said. Other changes could lengthen trial times, the groups said.
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