We urge the President of India not to give his assent to this undemocratic legislation, and initiate public debate on the complex causes of conflict, rather than treat it as a law and order problem. |
While this decision sets an important precedent in the trying of defamation cases, it is only the beginning. In order for journalists to be protected from serving jail time, the decision to use the Press Law and not the penal code when involving the media must be used by all Indonesian courts. |
While this is a landmark crucial step in our campaign to abolish criminal defamation in Indonesia, we still have more work to do. |
While we welcome Arroyo's rescinding of the state of emergency, we call on her to prove her commitment to the safety of journalists and a free media in the Philippines. |
Without a free and independent media, true democracy is unattainable. |