Draft of RDTL Media Law reported by Parliament Committee A on 2 May 2014
Page 5
Rough translation by La’o Hamutuk. See http://www.laohamutuk.org/misc/MediaLaw/14MediaLaw.htm for original and other materials.
CHAPTER II
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Article 7
Right to information
The right to information for citizens should be provided with objectivity and impartiality, by clearly
distinguishing between fact and opinion, with respect for diversity of opinion.
Article 8
Freedom of the press
The right of journalists to report shall be exercised on the basis of Constitutional powers, may not be
subject to interference that threatens their independence and objectivity, freedom to create, freedom
of conscience, their right to seek and receive information, professional secrecy and to participate in
editorial direction of the media outlet for which he or she works, with no constraints on meeting the
ethical obligations of the profession.
Article 9
Freedom of expression
1. Everyone has the freedom to express and disseminate their ideas through the media.
2. No one shall be disquieted for their political, philosophical, religious or other opinions.
Article 10
Prohibition of censorship
Freedom of expression is exercised by the media without being subject to any form of censorship,
authorization, collateral or prior qualification.
Article 11
Limits on press freedom
Press freedom only has limits such as the rights to honor, good name, reputation, privacy, right to the
presumption of innocence, judicial confidentiality and state secrecy.
CHAPTER III
JOURNALISTS
Article 12
Capacity
Citizens of the age of majority, in the full enjoyment of civil rights, and prepared with at least
secondary education, may be journalists.
Article 13
Exercise of the profession
1. Credentials, called a professional license, which are issued and renewed by the Press Council, are
a condition of the exercise of the profession.
2. Government approves by decree law the regulation of the professional credentialing of journalists
and trainees.
3. Prior to the adoption of the regulation referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Press Council
will issue a temporary document.
4. The professional qualifications as a journalist issued by foreign countries and their holders may
apply for registration and issuance of credentials by the Press Council, without requiring
internship.
5. No media organization can accept or keep in its service as a journalist, someone who is not duly
qualified with the respective credentials.