Janša says CoE Commissioner part of “fake news network”

Ljubljana – Prime Minister Janez Janša has reproached Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović for what he sees as her being part of a fake news network. This comes after Mijatović recently warned about the deterioration of media freedom and freedom of expression in Slovenia.

“Unfortunately, @Dunja_Mijatovic is part of #fakenews network. Well paid by our money,” Janša wrote in English on Twitter on Sunday.

Mijatović urged the Slovenian authorities in a memorandum published on Friday to stop the deterioration of media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

She warned about harassment, intimidation and criminal lawsuits against journalists. She also highlighted “sexist harassment and misogynistic speech against female journalists” and the government’s attitude to public media.

She said she regretted the moves of the Slovenian government that “risk undermining the independence, credibility and financial stability of the public broadcaster RTV and the national press agency STA”.

As part of preparations for the report, Mijatović held talks with President Borut Pahor and a number of ministers in April but not with Janša. She also talked to journalists of different media, politicians, experts and representatives of the civil society.

Following the release of the memorandum, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said the report did not reflect the views he had presented to Mijatović, especially regarding the freedom of speech.

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