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East Timor: IFJ launches petition protest against draconian 'press law'

Pacific Media Centre - August 29, 2014

Sydney (International Federation of Journalists/Pacific Media Watch) – The Sydney-based Asia-Pacific office of the International Federation of Journalists has launched a global petition protesting against a controversial 'press law' passed earlier this year by Parliament, partially rejected by the Appeal Court as "unconstitutional" and awaiting presidential approval.

The IFJ's online petition describes the law as "incompatible with the basic principles of freedom of expression, the practical workings of a free media and the needs of a modern democracy". The petition added: "Journalism should not be criminalised. Journalists should not be licensed at the whim of government appointed committees.

Thirty three international journalists, including SBS Dateline's Mark Davis, Crikey editor Marni Cordell, broadcaster George Negus, investigative journalist John Pilger, ABC Four Corners produce Peter Cronau and Pacific Media Centre director Dr David Robie, are among those who have signed the petition launch document.

The petition statement said:

"We, the undersigned journalists and media of Australia, respectfully urge the President, Government and Parliament of Timor Leste, to reject the current proposed Media Law. The laws are incompatible with the basic principles of freedom of expression, the practical workings of a free media and the needs of a modern democracy.

"Whatever the best intentions of the proposed legislation are, the potential for political abuse by future administrations is enormous.

"The proposed legislation will leave journalists open to an endless array of fines and criminal prosecutions. It will force journalists to work to a vague list of national and economic objectives. It will place the right of both citizens and journalists to write, publish and express themselves into the hands of a potentially politicised committee.

"Journalism should not be criminalised. Journalists should not be licensed at the whim of government appointed committees.

"We urge you to reconsider this legislation."

Signed: Sign the East Timor media law petition: https://www.change.org/p/stop-east-timor-press-law

Source: http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/east-timor-ifj-launches-petition-protest-against-draconian-press-law-8931.

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