Jerusalem – Israel’s parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that critics say could muzzle the country’s media if it becomes law.
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The “defamation bill” passed 42-31 late Monday after a heated debate in parliament. It would need to pass another two readings to become law.
The bill would make it much easier for journalists to be sued. It significantly increases the amount that reporters can be demanded to pay in fines, without proof of damages.
Supporters of the bill say it encourages accountability in the media.
Nahman Shai, a former reporter turned parliamentarian, called it “a bad bill” that would silence the media and hinder the public’s right to know.
Critics say it is the latest of several pieces of legislation intended to stifle dissent.
If done the right way, this bill could be very good. It’s about time the media started to give some accountability. Unfortunately a lot of “news” we read nowadays are more an agenda than based on hard facts. We the people have the “right” to read news reports based on fact, not agenda. Yes, free press is (usually) a great thing, but we would be better off if they knew that before they publish anything it’s got to fit with reality.
Should the media be allowed to defame whatever/whoever they want and yet give no accountability?
It’s a step closer to socialism !
I hope this bill will helb stop incitement against chareidim, which is common in israeli media. This includes fabricated stories similar to blood libles in the dark ages.