Slovakian papers SME, Pravda, Hospodarske noviny, Novy Cas, Plus 1 Den and
Uj Szo, issued blank front pages with just an editorial in a black frame to protest a new media law that they say is a "serious interference in press freedom and editorial independence."

The new media law was passed on Wednesday is criticized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as the political opposition.

"Just the fact that the law exists is already a serious limitation of editorial freedom, because it will make it mandatory to publish unsolicited material ... It is not difficult to imagine where this will lead - newspapers getting flooded with replies from individuals or political forces unable to accept criticism," OSCE representative on freedom of the media Miklos Haraszti said.

Culture Minister Marek Madaric, who pushed the law, said the law "should guarantee plurality and accuracy of information."

Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly has had strained relations with local media since 2006, when he came into power. He has accused the media of "acting as the political opposition and failing to report objectively on government activities."

This is the fourth protest of this kind since 1993.  Other blank pages were published during the autocratic regime of Vladimir Meciar.

Source: AFP, Javno (Photo)