Venezuela: 'Freedom of expression must be limited'

[Bacchus39]

Venezuela: 'Freedom of expression must be limited'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_news_media

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's top prosecutor insisted Thursday that freedom of expression in Venezuela "must be limited," and proposed legislation that would slap additional restrictions on the country's news media.

The new law would punish the owners of radio stations, television channels and newspapers that have attempted to "cause panic" and "disturb social peace," Attorney General Luisa Ortega said.

It also would punish those media owners who "manipulate the news with the purpose of transmitting a false perception of the facts."

"Freedom of expression must be limited," Ortega said.

Ortega urged lawmakers to consider her suggestions as they move forward with a proposed law that would punish as-yet-undefined "media crimes." The National Assembly, which is controlled by allies of President Hugo Chavez, is expected to approve the bill in coming months.

Chavez's administration is slowly tightening its grip over the news media, raising concerns among watchdog and human rights groups, which accuse the government of trying to stifle dissent.

Venezuela's telecommunications commission notified 50 radio stations earlier this week that their broadcast licenses could be revoked because they failed to update their registrations. Commission chief Diosdado Cabello said a final determination on the licenses will be made following investigations. He said authorities might also seize broadcasting equipment.

Nearly 200 other broadcasters that did not meet a June deadline to register also will be investigated, but have not yet been formally notified, Cabello said.

Chavez denies that he intends to silence critics, saying that his government fully respects freedom of expression.

[Downwinder]

1. Zeroing in on FOX.

It also would punish those media owners who "manipulate the news with the purpose of transmitting a false perception of the facts."


Not enough information. Can you still advertise for assassinations?

[Bacchus39]

2. Globo is being threatened for shut down because they "incited panic" when they

reported on an earthquake in Venezuela.


I am not too optimistic about the government setting the bounds. then again, since most Chavistas also love Castro, I am sure they are OK with these new free expression limitations.

[Downwinder]

3. Are you regulation is bad if Venezuela does it,

but OK if the US does it?

[Bacchus39]

4. what type of regulation? I am not for further restrictions on free expression? are you??? n/t

s

[Downwinder]

5. I think there are limits.

Can I use a defense of "just expressing my self" for murder?

or can I run an ad for a Presidential assassin?

or should I be able to argue in Court and win with "there is no requirement ti tell the truth.
?

[Bacchus39]

6. how about reporting on an earthquake? or making insulting comments about government officials

should those be prohibited?

do you think there is too much freedom of expression?

[Downwinder]

7. Look at the panic when "War of the Worlds" was first broadcast.

The devil is in the details. Do you have a transcript of the earthquake broadcast? Did they include scenes from the movie?

[Bacchus39]

8. how about the the actual panic Chavez is causing along the Colombian border

with residents and merchants. these rules don't apply to Hugo I presume.

[Downwinder]

9. I would probably panic if Big Brother moved next door to me.

[Bacchus39]

10. you think Obama is going to invade Venezuela??

doubtful, oh ye of little faith. although, I am sure Hugo is worried about economic competition from a strong and stable Colombia.

[Downwinder]

11. I don't think it is his decision. Just as invading Cuba was not Kennedy's .

I think that given the opportunity, Otto, Negroponte and their group would jump at the chance.

[Zorro]

12. When was the last time the US attacked and invaded Venezuela?

I'm curious.

[Downwinder]

13. Overtly or covertly?

[Zorro]

17. Overtly and covertly

[Bacchus39]

14. why do you continue to undermine Obama's command? anyway....

I'll stay on the side of fighting for freedom of expression rather than restricting it. I do realize, of course, that a Cuba like state is what many here would like for Venezuela. Its free expression!!

[Downwinder]

15. Restrictions on Freedom of Expression:

I cannot out a CIA agent.

I cannot tell you what was in all of those packages I signed receipts for and got receipts back when I turned then back in.

I cannot make threats.


I think they are reasonable. I can live with them.


So, how are you fighting? I went to the Supreme Court on it and won.

[Bacchus39]

16. I am aware thanks. would you like to see more of those restrictions?

maybe just a few more? are you OK with only a state run media?

[Downwinder]

18. BBC an PBS are good examples. I've seen them.

I see very little media in general distribution domestically which is not State Controlled.

[Bacchus39]

19. here is one in Venezuela that may interest you

In March 2005, amendments to the Criminal Code came into force that extended the scope of Venezuela's desacato (disrespect) laws, which criminalize expression deemed to insult public officials or state institutions, and increased penalties for criminal defamation and libel. A broadcasting law introduced in December 2004 has encouraged self-censorship by allowing the arbitrary suspension of channels for the vaguely defined offense of "incitement." Should the government choose to utilize the expanded speech offenses and incitement provisions more aggressively to sanction public expression, the existing political debate could be severely curtailed.

http://www.hrw.org/en/node/79218

[Downwinder]

20. Does not sound much different than England or the EU, but I don't live there either.

Are you proposing this here? If so you are a little too late. Try getting on TV and maligning a Federal Judge.