Lawyer: Serbia's PM, ministers mock Constitution

Former Commissioner for Information of Public Interest and Protection of Personal Data said that was obvious in how they communicate with the media and public.

"Freedom of the media is guaranteed by the Constitution (Article 50). Everyone is free to establish media in line with the law. If there is a problem regarding possible illegal moves of some media, the respective authorities can react to that," Sabic said.

He added that "it is scandalous" that the Prime Minister in general, and especially continuously, insinuates that any media are doing something bad and illegal, describing them as 'tycoon' or 'mercenary' outlets.

Sabic said that in their public confrontations with the media or with political opponents they disliked, the Prime Minister and ministers inadmissibly often allowed themselves moves unthinkable in regulated countries.

He warned that on Tuesday alone, Brnabic and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali had offered "flagrant examples" of such behaviour.

Sabic recalled that the Constitution in its Article 51 guaranteed the right to timely and complete information about issues of public interest, as well as the media obligation to provide such information.

"Premier's refusal to answer a direct question regarding scandals known in public and accuses the media instead, insinuating they are fabricating scandals, is contrary to the Constitutionally guaranteed right. This can only be qualified as an arrogant and irresponsible act, especially when it is known that the 'Pandora's papers' affair, to which the issues referred, in other countrieswas a reason for the authorities to take action against officials mentioned, even some heads of state," Sabic said.
According to some examples, he added, Mali showed he was neither interested in nor obliged by the Constitution and laws.