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CNRT Calls for Media Reform
Dili – 26th June 2007
Current defamation law leaves the media open to criminal proceedings, until recently facing the possibility of jail and harsh financial penalties. Recent amendments to the laws, passed by the incumbent Fretilin Government, failed to protect journalist from criminal prosecution, and was widely protested seeing 60 Timorese journalists signing a petition in protest at the legislation.
In order to maintain the accountability of the government and its officers, the creation of a professional, investigative media is essential. Media must be free from the fear of criminal prosecution or physical intimidation.
A recent New Zealand observation mission to East Timor witnessed first hand the intimidation of reporters. Despite a code of conduct emphasising the right to security for journalists, there were reported incidents of intimidation by political party supporters, particularly during the presidential election, said the New Zealand group comprising Dr Judy McGregor, Clive Lind, Walter Zweifel, Dr David Robie, Tapu Misa, Shona Geary and Peter Northcote. It verified an incident in the district of Ermera when a Timor Post journalist was beaten and had his arm broken, allegedly by a Fretilin supporter upset at what he regarded as a lack of impartiality by the reporter. The report also stated that some journalists were afraid to hold politicians accountable due to the lack of professionalism and financial fragility of media organisations.
CNRT Secretary General Dionisio Babo Soares stated, “CNRT applauds the efforts and actions of East Timor’s media, but recognises that they operate under difficult conditions and the development of a free media is a matter that we urgently need to address. The current situation is unacceptable with a media living in fear of prosecution and persecution.
“The issue requires more than the amendment of legislation to allow journalists to operate free from the fear of criminal prosecution, we also have to address the issue of resource and education. The Government has to support the development of a free media through the provision of adequate resources such as motorcycles, cars, cameras and recorders. We must also focus on developing a training program to encourage international standards of media training to promote active, investigative journalism.”
CNRT supports the creation of paid scholarships, both in and out of country, to enhance the expertise of our journalists.
CNRT supports legislation to guarantee confidentiality of Journalist’s sources.
CNRT calls for an end to the criminalisation of defamation.
CNRT promotes the creation of a Press Council to represent and regulate media issues.
Babo-Soares continued, “The creation of a free media is essential to the CNRT vision of a free and fair democracy with transparency and accountability of Government. An essential aspect of our policy to reconstruct East Timor is to engage the people and ensure that they are aware of the operation of Government on a local and parliamentary basis. The media will play an essential role in freely communicating the actions of our Government to the people. We will therefore work with leading international organizations to establish best practice in accordance with Article 19 and look to secure an environment where a free media can prosper as a matter of urgency upon election.”
Ends.
For Further Information
CNRT Media Contact
T: +670 735 8696
E: cnrt.media@gmail.com
W: www.cnrt-timor.org
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