MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on freedom of information in Italy
14.10.2009
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure
Timothy Kirkhope on behalf of the ECR Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0088/2009
B7‑0089/2009
European Parliament resolution on freedom of information in Italy
The European Parliament,
– having regard to international and European human rights obligations, such as those contained in the UN conventions on human rights, in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and in Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty,
– having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the allegation that freedom of information is denied in Italy is an affront to the whole country, to its citizens and the millions of people living there and exercising freedom of expression in their daily lives, including journalists, historians, philosophers, scholars, writers and teachers, and to common sense,
B. whereas the lack of freedom of information is typical of those countries where dictatorships or totalitarian regimes have denied people their fundamental rights and freedoms,
C. whereas in Italy press freedom is ensured by Article 21 of the Italian Constitution, which establishes the right to freely express one's thinking,
D. whereas in Italy there is a large variety of public and private mass media, including newspapers, radio and television stations, which are more numerous than in several EU countries and which enjoy complete freedom of information and expression,
E. whereas seeking legal redress in a case of alleged defamation - a possibility that has been used by political leaders regardless of party affiliation - is a right enshrined in Italian law and granted to each citizen, and exercising this right cannot in any way be considered as an intimidatory act,
1. Declares that freedom of information and of the press is a firmly established principle in the daily life of every Italian citizen, and is in no way under any threat;
2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.