Statement by the International Democracy Union (IDU) on the Recent Raid of Opposition Media in Slovenia
The International Democracy Union (IDU) expresses profound concern regarding the recent police raid on the offices of the opposition media outlet Nova24TV and the home of its director, Boris Tomašič, in Slovenia. This incident, which occurred merely ten days before the European elections, represents a direct and severe attack on media independence and freedom of expression.
The IDU upholds the principles of democratic societies, which include the fundamental right to free speech, organization, assembly, and non-violent dissent, as well as the right to a free and independent media. These rights are essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy and are enshrined in our Declaration of Principles.
The raid on Nova24TV, involving the confiscation of computers and phones, is a stark manifestation of political intimidation and retaliation. This event is part of a troubling pattern in Slovenia, where there have been previous instances of police and judicial power being misused against opposition entities. Such actions undermine the rule of law and the democratic process.
It is particularly alarming that the raid appears to be connected to the activities of a parliamentary investigative commission, which was established and is predominantly led by the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Robert Golob. Statements from key figures, including former Commission Chair Mojca Šetinc Pašek, indicate that the Commission’s purpose is to target opposition media, further highlighting the political motivations behind these actions.
Prime Minister Golob’s public declarations about “depoliticizing” the public broadcaster RTV Slovenija by removing individuals not aligned with his government’s ideology further exacerbate concerns about media freedom in Slovenia. The controversial amendments to the RTV law, resulting in the removal of numerous key personnel and the cancellation of critical programs, demonstrate an agenda to control and manipulate the media landscape.
The IDU firmly believes that a free media and pluralism are cornerstones of democracy. The recent actions by the Slovenian government contravene the principles of the European Union’s rule of law and the Media Freedom Act, which aims to protect media independence.
We call on the European Commission, particularly Commissioner Vera Jourova, to take immediate action to address this egregious violation of media freedom in Slovenia. It is imperative that the European Commission safeguards the constitutional order of the European Union by ensuring the freedom and pluralism of the media, especially during the sensitive period leading up to the European Parliament elections.
The IDU remains committed to defending democratic values and human rights globally. We stand in solidarity with the independent media and the people of Slovenia, who deserve a free and fair media environment, free from political interference and intimidation.