Ukrainian
parliament approves very dangerous draft law on first reading
allowing government to close media and block websites on national
security grounds without a court’s permission
“Reporters
Without Borders condemns the draconian restrictions on freedom of
information envisaged in a draft law that the Ukrainian parliament
approved on first reading today.”
“If
adopted, the proposed law would allow the National Security and
Defence Council (RNBO) to suppress the dissemination of any national
or international media or block any website on the grounds of
protecting 'security and national interests' without referring to a
court.”
“The
sanctions envisaged by the bill – whose second reading is scheduled
for later today – include 'limiting or banning the activity of
media or other sources of information, including on the Internet' and
'banning the production or dissemination of any printed product or
other informational content.' It also says 'the broadcasting of
television or radio stations' and 'the use of Ukrainian broadcast
frequencies' can be banned.”
“'This
bill’s definitive adoption would represent a major setback for
freedom of information in Ukraine,' said Johann Bihr, the head of the
Reporters Without Borders Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. 'It
gives the RNBO exorbitant powers to order the broadest forms of
censorship on the basis of extremely vague criteria and with no
safeguards.'”
“Bihr
added: 'The major challenges that the Ukrainian authorities are
facing and their legitimate concern to defend national security do
not, under any circumstances justify such an attack on the
constitutional right to freedom of expression.'”
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