92001E1832

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1832/01

by Olivier Dupuis (TDI) to the Commission

(22 June 2001)

Subject: Serb authorities' embargo on Jehovah's Witnesses' educational material

By decision of 9 April, the Federal Minister for Home Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), Zoran Zivkovic, refused entry onto Serbian territory of a range of publications by Jehovah's Witnesses on the grounds that they would have a negative impact on children and young people. In the decision the minister explains that the reason for the ban on the importation of these publications is that judging from the number of copies and the content of the text, it is clear that they are intended not to meet the requirements of the current members of the community of Jehovah's Witnesses, but rather for specific purposes of proselytisation.

The specific nature of the pernicious influence of the forbidden texts on young people is unclear, given that the minister does not cite any significant passages to back up his accusation, as the law requires. As the reason for the ban is solely the quantity of material, it violates the very constitutional principles of the FRY, as well as the general principles of law.

What measures has the Commission taken, or will it take, to inform the authorities of Belgrade that such procedures are incompatible with the general principles of law and, more specifically, with freedom of thought, expression and religion?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 2001)

The Commission understands that, under a law dating from 1974, permission for imports of foreign publications is required, on a case by case basis, from the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Commission's enquiries indicate that the FRY authorities have not banned the publication in question, but have so far declined to authorise the import of this consignment in view of the very large quantity envisaged. The Commission understands that the matter is still under consideration.

The Commission is in regular contact with the FRY authorities about the reform of laws and procedures in many areas, including this one. The Council of Europe is providing advice as to European norms and practices.

The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of democratic reforms in the FRY closely.