Access to Information Programme | Cases of information refusals

Cases of information refusals

Access to Information Programme has a constatly expandable database with cases of information refusals. From the beginning of 1997 to June 2000 (when APIA was adopted) we have collected and commented on 746 cases. Since the adoption of the APIA till now, more than 3,000 cases have been referred to AIP for legal help. You can see general characteristics and some examples of such cases below.

In 2008, we have provided legal consultation on 235 cases: Case studies 2008 Acrobat PDF (139Kb)

Results from a national representative public opinion poll from September 2008, performed by Market LINKS at the demand of AIP, show that percentage of citizens (sample 1210) who are aware of their right of access to information is 38. Seven percent have already used this right and almost 63% are willing to use their right to information. However, 49% of the respondent citizens need legal assistance to obtain access to public information. Results show that 62 % of the respondent journalists had exercised their right to information and 71% expressed their need for legal assistance in case of information refusal.

In 2007, we have provided legal consultation on 246 cases: Case studies 2007 Acrobat PDF (138Kb)

In 2006, we have provided legal consultation on 350 cases: Case studies 2006 Acrobat PDF (49Kb)

In 2005, we have provided legal consultation on more than 400 cases: Case studies 2005 Acrobat PDF (145Kb)

In some cases, with the help of AIP, citizens and NGO's have received access to information that has been previously refused. You can read a description of several of these cases in the good practices section.