Bulgarian Rulers Mull Anti-Libel Law as 2011 Elections Draw Closer

MP Krasimir Velchev (front) has spoken in favor of an anti-libel law. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's ruling center-right party GERB is considering special anti-libel legislation because of concerns that mudslinging campaigns will mar the country's presidential and local elections in the fall of 2011.

The idea is to be discussed at the first 2011 meeting of the GERB Parliamentary Group next week, according to the group's Co-Chair Krasimir Velchev.

"Because of the elections 2011 will 'The Libel Year'," Velchev told Darik Radio on Tuesday.

He believes that the existing legislation provides for "ridiculous" sanctions for libel that can damage severely the reputation of institutions, businesses, or persons. The current sanctions provide for a fine of BGN 5 000-15 000 and a "public condemnation" in cases of defamation with severe consequences.

"I believe that nobody will oppose our initiative to fight libel. This phenomenon incurs tremendous losses to the state, statehood, and business. We cannot leave its perpetrators go unpunished or with ridiculous sanctions," Velchev said.

According to Alexander Lashamov from the Access to Information Program Foundation, however, such legislation will be a severe blow against freedom of speech and expression.

"In a democratic society anybody has the right to criticize the ruling party and anybody who carries out some kind of public activity. Anybody who does not agree with that and thinks that people should be punished for their freedom of opinion must leave Bulgaria and go live several thousand kilometers to the east," Kashamov said.

Ever since the Borisov Cabinet of the GERB party took office in the summer of 2009, the GERB parliamentary group has raised public concerns over several controversial legislative projects some of which led Prime Minister Borisov to arrive to Parliament in person in order to stop them.

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