Ombudswoman: freedom of speech is a basic principle of democracy

"Freedom of speech and the right to information are among the basic principles of democracy. Without the free work of journalists, a democratic society or a rule of law cannot exist," said Slovak Ombudswoman Mária Patakyová on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which is May 3^rd. She added that in order to protect fundamental human rights it is necessary to pay more attention to the safety and security of journalists. Meanwhile a group of actors and about 190 journalists from a variety of media outlets marked the day by expressing support for journalists of the public broadcaster RTVS, which is the mother company of Radio Slovakia International. A series of resignations and dismissals have taken place in recent weeks following disagreements between journalists and part of the management. On Wednesday a spokesperson for RTVS Erika Rusnáková said that the broadcaster has a legally elected general manager and an appointed management that works for the benefit of the public.