to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare voicing its concern over the
proposed law, prosecuting all people who publicly criticise the
government.
Recommended action:
Send appeals to:
Sir Michael Somare
Prime Minister
Papua New Guinea
Via email: [email protected]
Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at [email protected]
For more information please contact Jacqui Park at the IFJ Asia Office.
The IFJ have protested to the Prime Minister of Paua New Guinea, Sir
Michael Somare in the in the following letter:
6 May 2003
Sir Michael Somare
Prime Minister
Papua New Guinea
Via email: [email protected]
Dear Sir,
The International Federation of Journalists, the global organisation of
journalists, representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply
concerned over the proposed new law to prosecute all persons, including
journalists, who publicly criticise Papua New Guinea or its government.
According to our information, a Parliamentary Committee in Papua New
Guinea on 3 April 2003 announced the proposed new law. The new law if
introduced would also punish those who make remarks allegedly "tarnishing the dignity or integrity of Parliament." Committee chairman
Nick Kuman has said that the committee would amend existing laws to
provide "effective and justifiable means to deter critics who
persistently and knowingly publish damaging articles."
The Parliamentary Committee has already summoned Australian businessman
Rod Mitchell and Papua New Guinean economist Mike Manning due to remarks
that were published in the Australian press that were critical of PNG.
The IFJ feels that the proposed new law would violate the national
constitution's freedom of expression and press freedom clauses.
The IFJ calls on the Prime Minister to immediately halt all legal action
taken against Manning and Mitchell and asks you to take all necessary
action to ensure press freedom in PNG.
Yours sincerely,
Christopher Warren
President, IFJ