Reporters without Borders: Ukrainian parliament approves very dangerous draft law on first reading
This bill would essentially make official what is already been done in the shadows using threat and intimidation in Ukraine.
http://en.rsf.org/ukraine-ukrainian-parliament-approves-very-12-08-2014,46793.html
Ukrainian parliament approves very dangerous draft law on first reading
Published on Tuesday 12 August 2014.
It would allow the 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.
Drafted by the government, Draft Law No. 4453 was only registered with parliament on 8 August, four days before today’s first reading. Its laconic impact study tersely says: “The bill does not require consultation with civil society.”
Full Text:
http://en.rsf.org/ukraine-ukrainian-parliament-approves-very-12-08-2014,46793.html
