Stop SA Legislation to curb Media Freedom
Despite international pressure last year forcing the South African government to 'shelve' its proposed 'Protection of Information Bill' in terms of which journalists or other persons who disclose or report on any information which has been 'classified' by a government official - which may include corruption, tender irregularities, deaths of babies in hospitals due to negligence etc., etc. - will be imprisoned for a minimum of 25 years - this draconian law is currently being pushed through parliament. This is happening 'quietly' without the heavy opposition which initially accompanied this - despite this new law being unconstitutional and an outright attack on media freedom, which is supposedly entrenched under SA's Bill of Rights. Please support and sign our Petition to stop this legislation being passed into law!
We the undersigned need you to please speak to State President Jacob Zuma of South Africa (012) 300 5200 to stop the '
Protection of Information Bill' in terms of which journalists or other persons who disclose or report on any information which has been 'classified' by a government official - which may include corruption, tender irregularities, deaths of babies in hospitals due to negligence etc., etc. -
will be imprisoned for a
minimum of 25 years - presently being pushed through parliament. This is happening 'quietly' without the heavy opposition which initially accompanied this - despite this new law being unconstitutional and an outright attack on media freedom, which is supposedly entrenched under SA's Bill of Rights. Please support our Petition to stop this legislation being passed into law!
Thanks you for taking the time to read this letter, and in anticipation of your kind support!
