Proposals on Freedom of Speech, Journalism, and Defamation To Be Combined

The President of Panama's National Assembly, José Muñoz, said they would merge four proposals (draft bills) related to journalism, freedom of expression, and offenses related to defamation. Muñoz promised a "broad discussion and consultation" before adopting the reforms that could affect the work of journalists. He said last October there were three proposals on the issues of defamation, the freedom of expression, and the right to reply, respectively, all motivated by the need to safeguard the human rights of all citizens, including those of journalists and the media. (La Critica)

Editor's Comment (Don Winner): I think this is a good sign. The other proposals came from the members of the news media which seek to decriminalize slander and defamation. Panama needs to enact legislation that both protects the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, while simultaneously allowing for a clearly defined means and method for those who have been defamed to seek and quickly obtain civil judgments. And of course the most recent proposal to make it a crime to criticize the president and his ministers will be in the mix as well. Anyway, the debate is ongoing, let's see how it turns out.

Sourece:http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/2011010811002510