GoSL’s new media code to further curtail free speech: HRW
Referring to the ‘Code of Media Ethics’ official proposed by Sri
Lanka’s Ministry of Mass Media and Information two days back, Human
Rights Watch in a release on Wednesday criticised the proposal for its
“overbroad and vague language that could have a severe and chilling
effect on free speech”. Noting how the proposed code could be used to
curtail any dissent to the government and referring to the already
existing repression of journalists, HRW reported that “Violence remains a
real fear for journalists, which is only heightened by impunity for
perpetrators.” Arguing that the vagueness of this code would lead to
self-censorship by many journalists, Brad Adams, Asia Director of HRW,
also commented that “The code would hand the Sri Lankan authorities a
new tool to harass and threaten journalists who are already working in a
very difficult environment.”
“The government’s proposed media code is part of a sustained campaign to
control the media and curtail dissent,” Mr. Adams said, adding that
“Sri Lankan journalists are already under enormous pressure not to be
critical of the government, and the vagueness of this code will likely
lead to greater self-censorship to avoid government retaliation.”
The
HRW release was also apprehensive of the possible misuse of this code
by the Sri Lankan state, in that “The code contains 13 types of
substantive speech that would be prohibited from publication, including
content that vaguely ‘offends against expectations of the public,
morality of the country, or tend to lower the standards of public taste
and morality.’
“Also prohibited would be any content that
‘contains material against the integrity of the Executive, Judiciary,
and Legislative’ – which could be interpreted as barring criticism of
the government. The code also restricts content that ‘contains criticism
affecting foreign relations,” which could lead to sanctions for
reporting on international criticism of Sri Lankan government actions.’”
External Links:
| HRW: | Sri Lanka: Proposed Media Code Threatens Free Speech |
கருத்துகள் இல்லை:
கருத்துரையிடுக