The Association of Professional Journalists, representing over ninety professional journalists, has urged the Lithuanian leader to veto the recently adopted Law of the National Radio and Television of Lithuania. The association contends that the proposed law contains an ambiguous provision that conflicts with the Constitution and also contradicts the recommendations of the Venice Commission. While many aspects of the law are scheduled to take effect in 2028, the journalists point to one specific article concerning the dismissal of a director.
This provision is set to become immediately enforceable upon signing, a timeline the governing bodies reportedly refused to postpone. The association argues that this immediate implementation directly contravenes the Venice Commission’s advice to the Council of Europe, which recommends that the Seimas “ensure that any overriding grounds for dismissal are guaranteed by the Seimas.”
The core concern raised by the professional body centers on the immediate enforceability of the dismissal clause. The Association of Professional Journalists maintains that the current structure of the law compromises established journalistic standards and constitutional safeguards.
They are advocating for a review of the legislation to align it with both constitutional principles and international recommendations from bodies like the Venice Commission.
Topics: #law #professional #journalists
The Association of Professional Journalists, which represents over ninety journalists, has formally requested that Lithuanian leader G. Nausėda veto the recently passed Law of the National Radio and T