Mladen Čadikovski, President of the Macedonian Journalists’ Association (SHGM), asserted that the communication efforts of the prosecutor are integral to the administration of justice, rather than merely a public relations exercise. Speaking at the conference, “From Strategy to Practice: Strengthening the Public Prosecutor’s Communication with the Public,” Čadikovski acknowledged several procedural improvements. He specifically commended the establishment of clearer contact points at the Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Interior, alongside recent amendments to the Penal Code, stating that these advancements are appreciated by the SHGM.
However, Čadikovski emphasized that the association requires tangible outcomes rather than mere statements. He highlighted persistent issues concerning the safety and rights of journalists, noting that attacks against members of the press compromise the public’s right to information. He pointed to the constitutional guarantee against censorship, citing Article 16 of the Constitution.
The discussion also addressed instances of violence and harassment directed at journalists, including the burning of vehicles and online threats against female journalists. Čadikovski questioned the lack of visible official response from the prosecutor’s office regarding these serious incidents. The core message conveyed was a call for the prosecutor’s department to translate institutional policy into concrete actions that secure the functioning of the press and uphold the public’s right to unbiased information.
Topics: #public #prosecutor #journalists
The lack of official response to threats against journalists is deeply concerning.