(WAN/IFEX) – Among the provisions of a bill currently being debated by the House of Representatives is one that provides no upper limit for financial awards against publishing companies in cases of defamation. Consequently, punitive awards by the courts could threaten the continued existence of newspapers found guilty of defamation. Additionally, the draft law provides […]
(WAN/IFEX) – Among the provisions of a bill currently being
debated by the House of Representatives is one that provides no
upper limit for financial awards against publishing companies in
cases of defamation. Consequently, punitive awards by the courts
could threaten the continued existence of newspapers found guilty
of defamation. Additionally, the draft law provides for penalties
of up to R$ 100,000 (about US$ 900,000) to be awarded against
journalists. Working under the threat of such fines, this
provision could lead to self-censorship by media employees.
According to reports, a further provision would authorise the
seizure of offending publications.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
proposals should respect the right of citizens to “seek, receive
and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless
of frontiers”, which is guaranteed by Article 19 of the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of
the American Convention on Human Rights, to which Brazil is a
signatory
provisions appear to fall short of these international standards
that no action is taken which might threaten press freedom and
jeopardise Brazil’s reputation as a healthy democracy
Appeals To
Senator Antonio Carlos Magalhaes
President of the Senate and President of the Brazilian Parliament
Senado Federal
Pca dos Tres Poderes
Ed. Principal
1 andar
70165-900
Brasilia, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 311 1600Senator Jose Sarney
President of the Foreign Affairs Commission
Senado Federal
Anexo II
Ala Ruy Carneiro, Gab. 3
70165-900 Brasilia, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 322 6285Representative Michel Temer
President of the House of Representatives
Camara dos Deputados
Pca. dos Tres Poderes
Ed. Principal
70160-900 Brasilia, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 224 1289Copies to:
His Excellency Fernando Henrique Cardoso
President
Palacio do Planalto
70160-990
Brasilia DF, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 226 7566Sergio Motta
Minister of Communications
Brasilia DF, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 226 3980
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
