South Africa: Media body pushes for law to protect media sources

South Africa’s Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has said that it would push for legislation to protect the confidentiality of journalist’s sources, APA has learnt here.

The FXI said it had already lodged a request with the South African Law Reform Commission to investigate the amendment to Section 205 of the Criminal Procedures Act, the SABC reported Wednesday.

If the amendment would not be possible, the media watchdog said it would call for a "shield" law to be introduced instead.

The campaign follows the recent issuing of subpoenas against two E-Tv news journalists in South Africa, compelling them to divulge their news sources. The subpoenas have been put on hold after the parties agreed to mediation.

FXI Acting Executive Director Melissa Moore said by amending Section 205 or alternatively enacting a shield law would bring the South African law in line with international human rights standards and best practices.

Moore said the move will also give effect to the right to freedom of expression and recognise the importance of the media in a democratic society, the SABC reported.

Earlier this month, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) resolved to revive its discussions with the police leadership to ensure that the media was allowed the freedom to report on the fight against crime.

Sanef said some police officers are enforcing unofficial restrictions on the media’s attempts to report on crime taking place in the country.

The forum also called on the newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, Menzi Simelane, to respond to Sanef’s letter asking him to revoke his decision to stop prosecutors from speaking to the media on their cases.

-February 24, 2010 by APA

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Source: www.apanews.net/apa.php (accessed on 24.02.10)