26 September 2008

Alert

Government vows to decriminalise defamation


Incident details

other

legal action
(SEAPA/IFEX) - The government of Timor Leste announced on 24 September 2008 its decision to decriminalise the country's Defamation Law, a move that was welcomed by the Timor Lorosa'e Journalists Association (TLJA).

Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato announced to members of the press gathered at the national parliament that the government will remove the Defamation Law from the country's Penal Code and will treat violations thereof as civil cases.

She added that the government will sign into law a revised penal code as soon as the national parliament passes the bill.

TLJA, a SEAPA partner based in Dili, Timor Leste, said it welcomes this decision of the government and considers it as a crucial step towards the promotion of freedom of expression in Timor Leste.



Source:

Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Unit 3B, Thakolsuk Place
No. 115 Terddumri Road
Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Thailand
seapa (@) seapa.org
Phone: +66 2 243 5579
Fax: +66 2 244 8749
 

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