16 July 2003
IPI REPORT SAYS DRAFT MEDIA LAW DEEPLY FLAWED
A proposed media law introduced by the Kazakhstani government contains provisions that stray so far from international standards on press freedom that it is difficult not to see it as an attempt to control and intimidate the media, warns the International Press Institute (IPI). In a report released on 14 July, IPI says the "Law Concerning Mass Media" is flawed and should be reviewed in an open process involving local journalists and international organisations.
"The government of Kazakhstan needs to work harder at incorporating international standards on freedom of the press and of expression particularly regarding the proper definitions of press freedom, limitations on this right, secrecy laws, journalists? confidentiality, censorship, freedom of information, and media activities during elections," the report says.
IPI says several articles in the proposed law give authorities the power to fire journalists and editors from their positions or bar owners from establishing media organisations. The law also attempts to shield politicians from public scrutiny, IPI adds.
Read the full report here: http://www.freemedia.at/KazakhstanReport.htm
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