Mr. Istvan Stumpf
Minister of Chancellery
Government of Hungary
Budapest, Hungary

Vienna, 6 July 1999

Dear Minister,

The members of the International Press Institute — the global network of editors and publishers dedicated to freedom of the press — are deeply concerned about the growing trend of government interference in the media in Hungary.

The latest incident occurred on June 29 when the editor and several members of staff of a news programme on MTV1 were removed from their positions in connection with a story the programme ran indicating that 10 members of the FIDESZ ruling party had received preferential rates from the Postabank financial concern.

This incident is just one of many worrying issues in Hungary that have recently come to IPI’s attention:

A draft Press Law is being prepared, our sources indicate, which will oblige media outlets to publish a right of reply to anyone who feels harmed, even if the article in question is entirely accurate. IPI considers that this would place undue restrictions on the media and will certainly serve to stifle the public debate. This new draft law follows similar initiatives last year from Béla Pokol of the Independent Small Holders’ Party. In the face of sharp criticism from several sources, including IPI, Mr. Pokol withdrew his proposal. With regard to any legislation concerning the media, we urge your government to consult with IPI and other relevant organisations before developing any laws which may have the potential to stifle freedom of expression.

The Broadcasting Act requires the Parliament to nominate a governing curatorium to the state-funded MTV, which should contain equal representation from the governing and opposition parties. At present only government parties are represented. The Constitutional Court recently ruled that the current situation was legally acceptable even though it appears to be in direct breach of the law.

László Juszt, editor of Kriminális magazine and host of the television programme of the same name which is broadcast on MTV, faces possible charges of disclosing state secrets. The charges stem from an article Juszt published quoting documents which indicated that the Prime Minister’s claims that the former government were involved in illegal electronic surveillance of the FIDESZ party were unfounded. The police confiscated his equipment, effectively closing down Juszt’s magazine, and his contract with MTV was terminated. It is IPI’s view that there was a clear public interest served in publishing the article and that the document could not legitimately be described as an official secret. The arrest appears to indicate an official desire to prevent or penalise the publication of information embarrassing to your government.

The offices of Szép Házak (Beautiful Houses), a family concern, were searched by police some months ago following claims from an anonymous caller alleging that the owners of the magazine were plotting against the Prime Minister.

The FIDESZ government appears to be holding on tightly to its media holding which is operated through the Postabank, despite early promises to sell media interests on grounds of conflict of interest. The recent decision to deny the Ringier Group the publishing rights to Szabad Föld. is a case in point. Members of the government, including Prime Minister Orban, have spoken of a most worrying policy which should bring about a so-called “media-equilibrium”, which seeks to tilt the balance of political news coverage in favour of the ruling party. One apparent consequence of this policy was the recent sacking of József Martin and Janós Avar, two respected editors of Magyar Nemzet, owned by the Postbank. No official justification was given for the dismissal but observers believe it is because their liberal approach clashed with the official ideology.

Individually, any of these incidents would provide legitimate grounds for concern to advocates of a free and unfettered media. Taken together it is strengthening the argument of some media observers who claim that your government has embarked on a campaign to tighten its control over the flow of information and to curtail the independent media. IPI is greatly alarmed by these developments and would welcome the opportunity to hear your government’s perspectives on the above points. We take this opportunity to request that you meet with an official IPI delegation at your earliest convenience to discuss these urgent matters in detail.

I thank you for your attention and eagerly await your prompt response.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director