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Alert

Media bill seriously threatens press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - On 30 April 2002, RSF called on Gambian Parliament Speaker Sheriff Mustapha Dibba to do everything he can to block passage of a new press bill that would seriously endanger press freedom, according to the organisation. "This bill aims to create a National Media Commission that will be a full-scale press court," RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard said in a letter to Dibba. "In no circumstances must a press monitoring body replace regular courts. The extent of the Commission's powers, with a chairman appointed by the head of state, is a serious threat to press freedom. The bill also violates the Gambian constitution, which guarantees such freedom," Ménard noted.




On 2 May, Parliament is due to consider the bill setting up the commission, whose main task will be to rule on complaints against journalists and the media. It will have the authority to summon journalists to reply to accusations and order them to reveal their sources. It will also draw up a code of conduct for the media and accredit journalists and press organisations. No media outlet will be allowed to operate without an annually renewable licence, which the Commission can suspend or cancel. It can also close down media outlets and impose fines starting at 10,000 dalasis (approx. US$550; 605 euros).