![](http://web.archive.org./web/20180310052035im_/http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oj6lfg8ua9Q/UvWAUL8PacI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/MM5oHpZzr_A/s1600/etimor+media+550wide.jpg) |
East Timorese journalists at work ... no more freelancers
under the draft media law? Photo: David Robie |
By DAVID ROBIE
THE PROPOSED
Timor-Leste media law is a draconian mixed bag. And it is ironical that such a document with lofty claims of protecting the freedom of the press should be shrouded in secrecy for the past six months.
After being approved by the Council of Ministers last August 6, it has languished in the “don’t touch” basket since then, apart from a critical airing at a conference on the
state of the media last October.
And then suddenly, with few copies of the document being in circulation previously, a hurried “consultation" was held with journalist representatives this week. A journalists' submission is expected by Parliamentary Committee A by Monday.
But other people with a stake in the future of media regulation – such as academics, bloggers, book publishers, non-government organisations, political commentators and media users themselves – haven’t yet had a chance to give any input.
While the document contains an interesting attempt to define “duties” of journalists in an evolving new democracy such as Timor-Leste and professes to support freedom of information and the right to be informed, in reality many clauses seek to effectively gag the press and debate.