A group of Ukrainian lawmakers is set to push unconstitutional amendments to the bill on the independence of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting (No.4107).
That’s according to Taras Kremin, Ukraine’s Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Rubryka reports citing the Ombudsman’s Office press service.
The official warned that the MPs could proceed with the sabotage move at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy. In this way, some legislators could seek to completely abolish the rule mandating Ukrainian language in films – starting July 16 this year.
“The norm of the language law on broadcasting films, produced in Ukraine, in Ukrainian language, which comes into force on July 16, has met fierce opposition in parliament. Discontent is also being voiced by TV channels, which from the second half of July won’t be able to broadcast movies and TV series in Russian with Ukrainian subtitles, as they do now. Such a scenario seems to be yet another attempt at a language counter-revolution,” Taras Kremin said.
The Commissioner reminded that recently, thanks to the pro-active stance of patriotic-minded MPs and the public, it was possible to thwart the attempt to postpone the norm’s enforcement but some people who don’t care about the Ukrainian language “just can’t get over it.”
“I see that such a large number of bills emerging is aimed at postponing or repealing the relevant norm in the interests of individual filmmakers, who, unfortunately, seek to pursue violating the right of Ukrainians to receive information and services in their state language. This is due to the unconstitutional conspiracy by major media holdings, production companies, and individual MPs,” he said.
The Language Ombudsman stressed that in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution, the state ensures comprehensive development and functioning of the Ukrainian language in all areas of public life throughout Ukraine. TV broadcasting is no exception, the deputy stressed, adding that, on the contrary, it is the basis of the country’s information policy.
“I appeal to the lawmakers to exhibit a consolidated position and stop the language counter-revolution stewing at Ukraine’s highest legislative body,” Taras Kremin said.
