[hr-media] Article 19 releases campaign pack on defamation and insult laws in SADC

ARTICLE 19 RELEASES A MULTI MEDIA CAMPAIGN PACK ON DEFAMATION AND INSULT 
LAWS IN SADC
2 May 2003

ARTICLE 19 RELEASES CAMPAIGN PACK ON DEFAMATION AND INSULT LAWS IN SADC


ARTICLE 19 releases today, on the eve of the world Press Freedom Day a
campaign pack on defamation and insult laws in SADC countries. This pack
is the result of ongoing research that is examining the way defamation or
insult suits against journalists have been used in a number of cases
brought by public officials/figures.

The research has revealed that the use of defamation and insult laws is
increasing, especially in countries facing political crisis or civil
conflict. An alarming finding is that in most cases charges are dismissed
for lack of merit either by the courts or by the prosecutors.  There is
also a regular and unwarranted use of criminal defamation associated with
excessive and unreasonable fines.

This Pack highlights the threats to freedom of expression pose by
defamation and insults laws. It is also aims to simplify the legal issues
around these concepts and enable media practitioners and advocates to
device strategies.


ENDS


Notes to editors:

   1.. The pack can be found on ARTICLE 19's website at
http://www.article19.org/docimages/1601.pdf
http://www.article19.org/docimages/1602.pdf

   2.. For further information contact Fatou Jagne, Africa Programme
Officer, email fatou@article19.org.za