(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 26 July 2001 SPP press release: PRESS WORKERS PROTEST AGAINST “GAG LAW” IN PARAGUAY This morning, press workers in Paraguay protested this morning in front of the National Congress against laws restricting freedom of expression and the right to information. They particularly focused on the recently established Law 1728 […]
(SPP/IFEX) – The following is a 26 July 2001 SPP press release:
PRESS WORKERS PROTEST AGAINST “GAG LAW” IN PARAGUAY
This morning, press workers in Paraguay protested this morning in front of the National Congress against laws restricting freedom of expression and the right to information. They particularly focused on the recently established Law 1728 on Administrative Transparency, which imposes serious restrictions on access to public information.
The protest, organised by the Paraguay Union of Journalists (SPP) Delegates’ Council and Board of Directors, also focused on Law 1682, which restricts access to information about citizens or public personalities. The press workers were also demonstrating against certain articles of Law 1526 on Public Administration, which penalises civil servants who hand over documents to the press, and of the Criminal Code, which stipulate penalties that may result in prior censorship of journalistic work.
During the protest, several press workers noted the ease with which Congress supports laws that violate constitutional principles and international conventions ratified by Paraguay. They also condemned the government’s actions that use methods such as legislation to limit all forms of freedom of expression.
The original bill which later became law 1728 was submitted by opposition Member of Parliament Rafael Filizzola and sanctioned “in totum” by the Chamber of Deputies. It suffered important setbacks in the Senate but legislation was finally approved, several articles of which go against the essential principle of freedom of expression.
Two appeals claiming that the law is unconstitutional were filed by Diario ABC Color and the Authentic Liberal Radical Party (Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico). In addition the Paraguay Union of Journalists and the Centre for Justice and International Law (Centro Por la Justicia y el Derecho Internacional, CEJIL) presented a brief to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. There are also two petitions to repeal the law before the courts and the Senate, brought forth by the bill’s originator Member of Parliament Filizzola (who also requested the elimination of Law 1682).
The Paraguay Union of Journalists began the process of bringing together a number of civil society organisations in an effort to coordinate their struggle for freedom of expression.
Asuncion, 26 July 2001.
