Hungary: Proposed constitution is serious threat to right to information
Budapest/Berlin/Madrid, 15 April 2011 – In yet another assault on freedom of expression and information the Hungarian government is set to adopt a new Constitution on Monday 18 April which will abolish independent oversight of the public’s right to know.
Human rights and media freedom groups today warned that the proposal to replace the independent Data Protection and Freedom of Information Commissioner with an administrative authority will seriously weaken the right to access to information in Hungary, which in 1992 was the first country in central and eastern Europe to adopt an access law.
We're holding a workshop for investigative journalists in Budapest, Hungary from April 14-15. The training will empower local journalists to recoup their role as public watchdogs through exercise of their right to freedom of information and to strengthen their ability to protect their privacy, information, and sources.
The first BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting was held between August 22nd and 28th, at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. More than 60 trainers, panelists and participants had chance to see, hear and learn more about investigative reporting, to establish new contacts and to make new friends. Listen to the executive director of Access Info Europe, Helen Darbishire, on Access of Information Laws.
What is the Legal Leaks Project about?
Journalists play a central role in initiating and stimulating public debates but face constant challenges in accessing information from public bodies, particularly when that information relates to issues such as corruption and organised crime, violations of human rights, controversial international relations, environmental contamination, relationships with business and lobby groups, and the more sensitive aspects of EU integration.
These challenges are increasing due to limitations on freedom of expression and access to information resulting from new counter-terrorism and security measures. At the same time increased use of electronic surveillance technologies by public (and private) bodies is making it harder for journalists to protect their investigations and confidential sources making them vulnerable to legal and extra-legal pressures to desist from investigations and to reveal sources of information.
Berlin/Madrid, 28 September 2010 – A new service to provide journalists from across Europe with support and legal advice when filing access to information requests has been launched today by Access Info Europe and n-ost.
The Legal Leaks Help Desk starts operation on International Right to Know Day. It is open to all journalists who need help using access to information laws in any of the 56 countries of the OSCE region.
Access Info Europe and n-ost are working to empower journalists to recoup their role as public watchdogs through exercise of their right of access to information in both their own country and other countries.
