Old Firm sectarianism bill: Free speech threat?

August 30th, 2011

As the trial against a man accused of making a religiously aggravated attack against Celtic manager Neil Lennon continues, Judith Townend examines the Scottish bill intended to legislate against sectarianism and offensive behaviour at football matches
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Slovak politicians lose right of reply

March 3rd, 2011

The Slovak government has made alterations to a controversial media law which guaranteed politicians, readers and state institutions a right of reply. This was allowed even where allegations made about them were true, but Prime Minister Iveta Radicova, an opposition legislator, announced on Wednesday that politicians would lose this right.

Fiji: Legislation cements the media censorship

July 12th, 2010

New laws enacted in Fiji permit the state to seize broadcasting equipment, documents, force journalists to reveal their sources and fine media organisations up to $100,000. The media industry development decree enacted on 28 June also requires newspapers to be 90 per cent locally owned. This stipulation could force a number of publications to close. The new laws follow 2009 government legislation that legalised the arbitrary vetting of broadcast stations and newspaper offices to ensure their editorial line is conducive with that of the Fijian leader Commodore Bainimarama.