Monday, August 9, 2010

Government must review information bill – Ronnie Kasrils

The former Minister of Intelligence Services Ronnie Kasrils on Monday said government must carefully review a proposed change in the laws governing access to information.

Kasrils’ statement comes as editors from major newspapers around the country plan to oppose the proposed restrictions. They say the Protection of Information Bill will destroy media freedom in South Africa and give dirty politicians the tools they need to bury high level corruption.

At the same time, the ANC continued its debate into policies outlining the establishment of a media tribunal which will give government the power to take action against journalists and publications considered to be reporting unfairly.

Kasrils said these changes must be considered carefully. “Let us hear critique of the bill and let us improve it. What we are in our constitution is about openness, transparency and accountability.”

Source: Eye Witness News

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