Media Law Institute disturbed by amendments to the Civil Code

On 17 November 2009 the Verkhovna Rada passed in full a draft law on amendments to Ukraine’s Civil Code on moral compensation. The Media Law Institute is concerned both by provisions of the law, and in general by the purpose of adopting the law.

Taras Shevchenko, Director of the Media Law Institute:  “Deputies are attempting to make money out of journalists. According to this law, officials will be able to ask for a greater amount of compensation for moral damages in suits against journalists, citing their special status.”

Freedom of expression standards dictate that officials should have no privileges in cases linked with defence of honour and dignity. On the contrary, they face greater demands than do ordinary citizens. The law passed by the Verkhovna Rada jeopardizes freedom of speech in Ukraine, and the Media Law Institute is therefore calling on the President to use his power of veto.