Slovenia’s Media Faced With Hostile Rhetoric, Threats, Attacks, Analysts Say

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA - For the next six months Slovenia will preside over the European Union, a body dedicated to the highest democratic values. But critics say that when it comes to upholding press freedom ideals, Slovenia is not up to scratch. Unfortunately, @Dunja_Mijatovic is part of #fakenews network. Well paid by our money. https://t.co/uFangFwSjm Actually, it’s just opposite. The manner in which @Dunja_Mijatovic is spreading lies about Slovenia is totally unacceptable. And we will not tolerate this without telling the truth. https://t.co/fBcIZ8cTrm

Two separate organizations, including the Council of Europe, released findings on what they say is a deteriorating situation for journalism. In a memorandum on freedom of expression and media freedom in Slovenia, the COE’s commissioner for human rights, Dunja Mijatovic, said she was concerned about steps by authorities “that risk undermining the ability of critical voices to speak freely.” The COE platform that documents threats and harassment of media registered 13 violations in the past year, compared with one the year before, the report said. The memo also cited physical attacks on journalists; a rise in hate speech, both online and from political representatives; polarization of public debate; and stigmatization of independent voices.