AJM: Condemnation of the attempted censorship by the director of the Toxicology Clinic

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) condemns the attempt at censorship and restriction of the right to speech by Besija Iljazi, organizational director of the Toxicology Clinic in Skopje.

According to today’s statement by AJM members, an order was publicly displayed at the entrance of the Toxicology Clinic in Skopje, prohibiting employees from having contact with journalists or the media. In the order of 20.05.2024, it is stated that by articles 30 and 31 of the statute of the Clinic for Toxicology Skopje, unauthorized presence, giving statements to the public through interviews and convening press conferences, which would cause damage to the interests, are prohibited and the reputation of the clinic.
Such an order is a violation of freedom of speech and professional journalism, contrary to the Constitution. Censorship in Macedonia is prohibited by Article 16 of the Constitution of the RNM.

Public health facilities and all public institutions in the country should provide publicity in their operations and inform about their decisions and work, and not prohibit information on topics of public interest.

Journalists are obliged to publish information that contains suspicions of abuses of all public office holders because they are obliged to do so by the Journalist Code, which clearly states that the journalist will respect the laws, but will not publish or hide anything that conflicts with the public interest.

AJM will formally address the relevant ministry and demand responsibility from the director of the Toxicology Clinic and all those involved in the adoption of this order. In addition, AJM will insist on the immediate withdrawal of the order and the establishment of transparency of the clinic, to ensure freedom of speech and the right of journalists to inform on issues of public interest.