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Belarus government cracks down on news |
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Written by Staff Writer
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Jul 11, 2008 at 07:08 PM |
Dozens of rights groups are urging the President of Belarus not to sign in a new media law that will impose curbs on the Internet, one of the few remaining sources of independent information left in the country.
The bill, which won final approval in the lower house of Parliament on 24 June and was passed by the upper house last weekend, requires that all Internet sites originating in Belarus be registered with the government, say the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) and other press freedom groups. Many independent newspapers that the authorities closed down have made a presence on the Internet.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says the legislation also prohibits all local media outlets from accepting foreign funding, a restriction that will affect about 30 publications that now receive U.S. or EU money. The authorities would also have more power to close down media outlets, without having to give an explanation, says RSF. |
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Last Updated ( Jul 11, 2008 at 07:17 PM )
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