|

News

Italian senate kills proposed libel law

Tuesday, November 27, 2012



ROME, Italy (AP) — Italy's Senate has killed a proposed law that was hotly contested for maintaining a jail penalty against journalists convicted of libel, while imposing only fines for their editors.

The proposal was defeated Monday by a 123-29 vote.

The Italian journalists union called off a national strike yesterday but was demonstrating to press their campaign to decriminalise libel altogether.

Parliament's efforts to do just that were circumvented by right-wing lawmakers' apparent moves to protect an editor who was sentenced to 14 months for libel under a rarely enforced Fascist-era law that allows a six-year sentence.

They changed the draft to impose a one-year jail sentence on journalists while lowering the penalty for editors to euro50,000 (US$65,000) — sparking protests from Italian journalists and Reporters Without Borders.



POST A COMMENT

HOUSE RULES

 

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy



comments powered by Disqus

'I am going to sue'

 

Shaw blasts ‘draconian’ amendments to Revenue Administration Act

 

Gaping ditch causing deep distress to Duhaney Park residents

 

You can't travel on a naturalisation certificate

 

68% of GSAT candidates get 'school of choice'

 

Pension fund chairman not aware consent was needed for surplus distribution

 

Wheatley likens Jamaica to 'Animal Farm'

 

Phillips: We are mindful of the challenges of the depreciating dollar, but...

 

Butcher gets two years for stealing pork

 

Take the dog off front-line duty!

 

PHOTO: Melrose misfortune

 

OCG says its working to complete Spaldings Market probe

 

Brimming with renewables

 

Youth group calls for legalisation of abortion

 

Firearm found on roadside

 

Gangster's father killed, four others injured in East Kingston

 

Unidentified pedestrian killed along Old Harbour Road

 

Police find homemade firearm in Papine

 

Two-day curfew in Olympic Gardens

 

The pretty journalist and the dashing cop

 

Today's Cartoon