JOURNALIST AS RESPONSIBLE PERSONS IN VIOLATIONS OF HONOUR AND REPUTATION

Abstract

This paper analyses journalists as responsible persons in criminal and civil proceedings initiated for  the protection of honour and reputation of those  affected by information reported in the media. A  brief outline is given of the relationship between the right to protection of honour and reputation on the one hand, and freedom of expression given the  specific role and position of journalists on the other.  Further, the rules governing the direct responsibility  of journalists are analysed, specifically for each of the mentioned proceedings, so as to ascertain whether the valid legislative solutions are adequate in  interpretation and application in judicial practice,  taking into account the expressed principles by the European Human Rights Court. The need for further decriminalisation of offenses against honour and  reputation is discussed in detail. Additionally, the paper addresses the consequences of interpretation specific legal provisions of the Media Act and the  Compulsory Relations Act in judicial practice and their effects on the legal position of journalists, with the proposed solutions for the observed issues.