Sabic Does Not Believe Authorities Want REM Council Formed, Says EU Pressure Is Driving Process

Rodoljub Sabic (BETAPHOTO/MILAN ILIC)

A future member of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council, lawyer Rodoljub Sabic, said on July 13 that he did not believe the authorities wanted the Council to be formed, but that the current situation was the result of pressure from the European Union (EU).

Sabic told BETA that problems could arise over setting up the REM as early as at its first session. He described the regulator as “a badly neglected house” lacking a constructive atmosphere, governed by outdated and poor regulations and burdened by a series of unfulfilled obligations, adding that he saw “no reason for optimism.”

“The other independent members and I will do everything we can to ensure that the REM performs its functions. One of the priorities must be to launch the procedure for appointing members of the Managing Board of the public broadcaster RTS,” recalling that RTS was failing to fulfill its statutory role by not ensuring respect for and representation of fundamental human rights and freedoms and democratic values, and particularly by failing to promote a culture of public dialogue and respect for privacy, dignity, reputation, honor and other fundamental rights.

Commenting on criticism from part of the opposition that the new Council, too, would lack independence and remain under government control, Sabic said such claims were a transparent attempt at disqualification. When asked if it would be possible to sanction the electronic media outlets spreading hate speech, disregarding their obligation to provide balanced coverage of political candidates during election campaigns and failing to provide for truthful and timely reporting, Sabic said that was not realistic at present “because the most important decisions need to be supported by a two-thirds majority” in the Council.