Decriminalization of defamation

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Journalists should not face criminal charges for their work, but they do in many participating States, often for writing critical stories about public officials or institutions. The Representative advocates for the full decriminalization of defamation and the fair consideration of such cases in dispute-resolution bodies or civil courts.

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media > Decriminalization of defamation

Highlights

Defamation and Insult Laws in the OSCE Region: A Comparative Study

This study examines the existence of criminal defamation and insult laws in the territory of the 57 OSCE participating States. In doing so, it offers a broad, comparative overview of the compliance of OSCE participating States’ legislation with international standards and best practices in the field of defamation law and freedom of expression.

Communique by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on criminal defamation laws protecting foreign heads of state

Communiqué No.5/2016, issued by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

Legal analysis of the draft Law of the Republic of Malta to provide for the Updating of the Regulation of Media and Defamation matters and for matters consequential or ancilliary thereto

This Analysis examines the draft Bill of the Act “to provide for the updating of the regulation of media and defamation matters and for matters consequential or ancillary thereto”. It was commissioned by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media from Dr Joan Barata Mir, Independent Media Freedom Expert.