An association representing journalists in Serbia has called for the government to abolish a new law on information which they say restricts freedom of speech.

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia issued a list of demands to the government, including asking for the law to be completely rewritten.

The association is a rival to a larger state-run one that is loyal to the government.

The Serbian Information minister defended the law, saying that it guaranteed freedom of expression.

The law, which was introduced during the recent crisis in Kosovo, makes it illegal to question Serbia's territorial integrity, among other restrictions.

Several publications and radio and television stations critical of the government have been raided and closed down under the law.