This reaction by the CMEM follows the numerous complaints that were recently received in the Council, among which the reaction by the OSCE Mission in Skopje in relation to the statement by Nedelkovski given after the event organized by “Civil Movement for Defense of Macedonia”, on February 26th, in Kavadarci.
As stated in the OSCE reaction, Milenko Nedelkovski with his statement that a number of persons, mostly journalists and politicians “should be put deeply in the ground and a big, very heavy concrete stone should be placed on top, so they will not be able to damage Macedonia again” as well as other remarks, he crossed a red line into hate speech – an action that should not be tolerated.
While calling the Council for Media Ethics of Macedonia to consider the consequences of such statements, the OSCE Mission noted that there are limits in the freedom of speech and the exchange of different opinions when the right to life and physical integrity of others is threatened. Moreover, according to the OSCE, this is damaging to the moral education of the future generations in the country.
“Nedelkovski’s remarks are a continuation of a negative practice of hate speech as a part of his regular statements. The OSCE Mission to Skopje is engaged in projects against hate speech. Our efforts are compromised and undermined if such speech is allowed to be dispersed in the media”, the OSCE stated.
The OSCE Mission to Skopje, therefore, “refuses any contact with Nedelkovski and any media outlets that allow him to have a forum to express his appalling messages”.
The Council of Media Ethics in Macedonia carefully examines cases of violation of ethical principles in journalism and it will announce its response to such developments very soon. The Council will continue to strongly oppose the downgrading of the journalistic profession and its abuse for transmitting of hate speech and condemns all instances of its presence in the media, urging to prevent further spread in the public space and discourse.