Javier Bardem calls for strict international laws to stop film piracy

London: Oscar winner Javier Bardem has urged government officials around the world to introduce a new international treaty to curb movie piracy and protect actors’ rights.

Speaking at a conference held by the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, the ‘No Country for Old Men’ star expressed the need for more stringent measures to put a stop to the widespread problem. “More than 90 per cent of actors have serious problems to pay rent, bills, and even to eat,” the Daily Star quoted Bardem as telling the crowd. “Remuneration of actors is crucial. Not for people like me, but for those who have a problem living from what they are doing,” he said. The actor, who is married to Spanish beauty Penelope Cruz, insisted he had never illegally downloaded any film or song and compared the act to simple theft. “It is like going to a shop, getting those products for free, and running,” he stated. “And the mentality of the people is that to do piracy is fine, because we will harm the actor who has a private jet. “But they are wrong. They are harming the people behind these people,” the actor added. ANI