The Croatian Journalists' Union (HND) on Sunday deemed unacceptable the conduct of HDZ councillors in the Općina Proložac local council, who on 9 July demanded a ban on recording and live broadcasting for a Radia NU journalist, as reported by Index.hr.
Although the local mayor, Toni Garac (HSLS), invited the media to report from the council session and gave permission for filming, HDZ councillors, who hold a majority in the Council and are led by the council president, insisted that the recording be denied to journalist Ante Dogan. The reason given was that the live broadcast was exerting pressure on the councillors, a claim the HND considers unfounded.
The journalist was ultimately permitted to remain at the council session but without the ability to film or broadcast, after which he left the premises and reported the incident to the HND.
The HND states that the session, during which the budget was discussed, was clearly a matter of public interest, in a municipality where extraordinary elections were held in April. According to the union, residents could face a third vote in little over a year, as the budget was rejected again due to the opposition of the HDZ.
"Journalists have the right and duty to follow such council sessions and report on them, which includes recording and live broadcasting," stated the HND, adding that politicians have no right to condition or restrict media reporting.
Radia NU stated that it had taken institutional steps to protect media freedom. Complaints had been lodged with the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation and the Ombudsperson, and the Prime Minister had been informed. The public, they said, would be kept regularly updated on the actions of the relevant authorities.
