Public associations and the media

Public associations are organisations that citizens form voluntarily on the basis of shared interests: trade unions, political parties, women’s and youth organisations, creative unions, charitable foundations, mass movements and other non-governmental non-profit organisations. They work on the principles of legality, voluntary membership and equality of members, openness and self-government, act on the basis of a charter and are registered as the law provides. Associations that aim to change the constitutional order by force or that promote war or national, racial or religious hatred are forbidden, secret societies may not be formed; banning or limiting an association’s activity is possible only by a court decision. The media (press, radio, television, online publications) are free and censorship is forbidden, but they are responsible for the accuracy of information. If false information or information harming a person’s honour is spread, the person may demand a rebuttal; collecting and spreading information about a person without consent is not allowed except in cases set by law.