“Freedom of speech, like all freedoms, is a delicate achievement. It is a common and permanent joint effort of all stakeholders: government, civil society and the private sector.
On December 29, the discussion of the draft law "On Approval of the Information Code" prepared by the Information and Mass Communications Agency will be completed.
The very idea of creating such a legal document is an immense feat. It should regulate media activities and laws, and form a clear understanding of the limits of freedom of speech to all participants of public relations. But I am worried that some clauses of the final document were not submitted to the Foundation by the state controller before the draft law was put to public discussion.
Article 45 "On the restriction of information that is offensive to society, state symbols or expresses disrespect (including using obscene words)" is dangerous. We cannot protect and certainly cannot strengthen freedom of speech with such abstract definitions that can turn anyone into a criminal. The fact that journalists and bloggers are surrounded by their powerful censorship and their existing fear can only be an obstacle to the development of real freedom of speech.
Compliance with law and order is effective when it is a joint effort of all sides. The openness of state agencies, high standards of journalism, and media literacy are more productive for a legal society than vague concepts in the law. The Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media calls for clear and understandable definitions to be included in any legislation on freedom of speech. After all, the goal is to create a legal society, not a society of prohibitions, right?
Nozima Davletova,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media
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