Doc. 9947

1 October 2003

Investigation of the possible monopolisation of the electronic media and abuse of power in Italy

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mrs Severinsen and others

      The Assembly is concerned about the many examples of monopolization of the media – in particular the electronic media – in Italy influenced in different ways by the Head of Government. The Assembly understands that there are a number of printed media in Italy, which are independent, but considering the great importance of the electronic media in the country the Assembly asks for an investigation of the situation of the media and whether Italy lives up to its obligations to secure a pluralistic media scenery.

      Likewise we are concerned about the Italian law which permits the Head of Government to demand the transfer of a number of cases from a particular court to a different tribunal. This intervention in trials in progress may lead to their obsolescence.

      It is of utmost importance for the Assembly to underline that every member state is committed by the Council of Europe standards of democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression – not only at their entry into the Council but continuously. The Assembly cannot allow a double set of standards for new and old member states. The commitments are equal for all.

      The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers investigate the possible monopolization of the electronic media and abuse of power in Italy.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed ¹:

Severinsen, Denmark, LDR

Arnold, Denmark, LDR

Ateş, Turkey, SOC

Banáš, Slovakia, LDR

Bargholtz, Sweden, LDR

Bindig, Germany, SOC

Čavuşoğlu Y., Turkey, LDR

Clerfayt, Belgium, LDR

Coifan, Romania, LDR

Dalgaard, Denmark, EDG

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Dees, Netherlands, LDR

Dimić, Serbia and Montenegro, LDR

Einarsson, Sweden, UEL

Elo, Finland, SOC

Eörsi, Hungary, LDR

Fehr, Switzerland, LDR

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Gündüz S., Turkey, LDR

Gunnarsson, Iceland, LDR

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Henry, Belgium, SOC

Holovaty, Ukraine, LDR

Jařab, Czech Republic, LDR

Kanelli, Greece, UEL

Kirilov, Bulgaria, SOC

Kvakkestad, Norway, EDG

Mikkelsen, Denmark, SOC

Mollazade, Azerbaijan, LDR

Monsen, Norway, EDG

Nabholz-Haidegger, Switzerland, LDR

Öhman, Sweden, SOC

Pericleous-Papadopoulos, Cyprus, LDR

Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

Škrabalo, Croatia, LDR

Soendergaard, Denmark, UEL

Vermot-Mangold, Switzerland, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group