IFJ Calls on Ethiopian Government to Withdraw “Draconian” Media Bill

May 20th, 2008 | EthioPolitics.com |

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Ethiopian government to withdraw a “draconian” media bill that has reportedly been introduced in the parliament.

“Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government should withdraw this draconian media bill and resubmit a bill that will not hinder press freedom,” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office.

The draft law was brought to the country’s parliament last month for discussion.

According to the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA), one of the biggest threats to the media is Article 3 of the new law, which says that the government could censor media if it believes that news content could instigate wars, threaten national security, negatively affect the moral of the youth or could baselessly defame individuals.

The four scenarios, however, could be a trap for media since they are based on “arbitrary interpretation, ” the EAJA declared.

The IFJ also said that Article 13 of the proposed law is an unacceptable violation of access to information. Article 13 stipulates that government public relation officers have 30-60 days to respond to a request for information.

Despite their protests over key elements of the proposed law, the IFJ and the EAJA commended a provision of the bill which guarantees the right for journalists and media professionals to organize themselves into professional associations.