Normativni i institucionalni okvir zabrane govora mržnje u Republici Srbiji
Analysis of the Normative and Institutional Framework for the Prohibition of Hate Speech in the Republic of Serbia

Author(s): Radomir Zekavica
Subject(s): Media studies, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Criminology, Social Informatics
Published by: Fondacija Centar za javno pravo
Keywords: Republic of Serbia; hate speech; media; internet; legal framework; human rights;
Summary/Abstract: After analyzing the prohibition of hate speech in international law and practice, the author analyzes the normative and institutional framework for hate speech prohibition in Serbia. The analysis points to valid legal solutions to this prohibition, regulations of regulatory bodies that are responsible for combating hate speech in print and electronic media and the Internet, and then provides an overview of institutional mechanisms of protection against hate speech. After that, the author gives a critical overview of the functioning of the normative-institutional framework for the prohibition of hate speech and points to the key problems, first of all: the problem of media freedom, the high degree of non-recognition of the essence of discrimination and hate speech among representatives of the public authorities, the problem regarding the functioning and independence of regulatory bodies, but also the judicial system in general. Political discourse in Serbia is burdened with the spirit of intolerance and rhetoric that often contains hate speech. The fact that pro-government media often appear as actors of such rhetoric is worrying, as it points to the readiness of the public authorities to promote a critical dialogue that is the premise of a healthy democratic society.

• Details
• Contents