Source: Blic
In his time, P. Stewart, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, said: “When everything is classified, then nothing is classified, and the system is prone to being ignored by those who are cynical and careless and manipulated with by those whose aim is to protect themselves or their personal gain.” Although made in connection with a specific “top secret” case, this is one of those opinions that apply to all ages and in all communities. It has been reaffirmed in our everyday reality as well. For example, what reasons in the domain of law or even elementary logic could explain for the fact that an association of renal disorder patients is denied access to a contract providing for the overhaul of hemodialysis machines because that contract happens to be a “trade secret”? Or the fact that trade unions are not entitled to receive copies of agreements on the sale of companies on the same grounds? Or that public procurement information is treated as “top secret”? Or the fact that the “official secret” mark is placed on records of theft in highway toll booths? Or the fact that the salaries and entertainment costs of State-owned enterprises and the costs of sponsorships of unknown recipients are treated as “secret”? Or the fact that, years after assassination of some of our journalists, information on what has (not) been done in the investigations are still “official secret”? Or... Or is it perhaps plainly obvious that, in order to efficiently counter abuse and corruption, it will be necessary to eliminate that “confidentiality” which, on top of all other damage, insults the common sense and dignity of the public and of the citizens? Rodoljub Sabic, Commissioner for Information
